He blinked unsteadily as he emerged into the cold light of the blogosphere

In the throes of writing a paper, so I can't be long. I largely agree with Frere Porchrat, but want to offer a bit of a correction. I wouldn't say that love of self precedes love of others, only because I think love of self entails love of others. Love of self, promoting one's own full flourishing, necessarily involves loving others because our full flourishing requires properly ordered relations with those around us. It's more of a symbiotic relationship. When I treat my parents with respect, or extend generosity toward my friend, I am loving myself and another person at the same time.