Which emotion/thought process do you believe is the most self-destructive?

I think "Fear" is the easy answer, but I do not think its really true. there are a variety of ways one can get around, or defeat fear.

I think I would say its "Hate" the act of holding a grudge... sustaining that hatred is profoundly destructive, warping perceptions, tainting the person's mind...

though, on the other hand, does one hate that which they do not fear?

what is hate, but a way to attempt to protect one's self from fear?

does hate, as a result of fear, stand on its own "bad-ness" independent of its cause? or would part of the fear's destructiveness, be in how it can cause thigns like hate?

Envy. I understand why you say fear, but there are ways to confront fear that can come from within you. Envy is utterly destructive, of the inner self and of relationship, and it is almost impossible to find a way out because every way you try to find can be contaminated once again by envy.

I'm not aware of my orientation to Judaism influencing my answer - but my work as a psychotherapist definitely does!!

i believe the most self-destructive though process is:

"I am (always) right/I cannot be wrong"

this type of thinking is the most destructive, as it prevents people from being just and from seeing the truth in any given situation - and this is the root cause of all the problems devouring mankind today, from following of false religions to the starting and maintaining of wars.

yes, i guess my religion has influenced my answer - cause i know myself i could not see any good in islam, or the wrong in christianity and western culture until i got over this thought process. also, islam has taught us that this begun the downfall of satan, as he refused to acknowledge the greatness of God's creation Adam - satan told God 'I am better than him" and thus he unleashed his whole terror on mankind.

I don't think there are any self-destructive emotions.

~~without fear, you can never OVERCOME. Having fear isn't self destructive, it's just a road block on your path to happiness!

Hope this helped!

Fear is a very primal survival tactic. It isn't dangerous if we can contain it and act despite it.

Hate is the most dangerous.

Hate, because it blinds us to reason and compassion. I suppose though that you could argue that fear leads to hate, so maybe fear as well.

My personal morals affect my answer.

Hate, it's a very negative engery and consumes all the good feelings.

Hatred and fear.

We agree. It is fear and the inevitable judgment that it brings.

Love and blessings Don

Self-doubt and low self esteem