Children are curious and are risk takers. They have lots of courage. They venture out into a world that is immense and dangerous. A child initially trusts life and the processes of life.

Shame is the root of all addictions.

Growing up means leaving home and becoming a self supporting adult. I think this the hardest task any human being hast to face.

The most paradoxical aspect of neurotic shame is that it is the core motivator of the superachieved and the underachieved, the star and the scapegoat, the righteous and the wretched, the powerful and the pathetic.

I know from my own clinical work that when people are beaten and hurt, they numb out so that they cant feel anymore.

Condemning others as bad or sinful is a way to feel righteous. Such a feeling is a powerful mood alteration and can become highly addictive.

Hell, in my opinion, is never finding your true self and never living your own life or knowing who you are.