I was thinking about prase in particular, who sounds as though he might have some problems with applying high standards in a way that's bad for him.
Horney died in 1952, so she might not have had access to rationalists in your sense of the word.
When I said it might be worth taking a look at Horney's work, I really did mean I thought it might be worth exploring, not that I'm very sure it applies. It seems to be of some use for me.
To be clear, I don't have problems with applying high standards to myself, unless not wishing to apply such standards qualifies as a problem. However I am far more willing to consider myself an altruist (and perhaps behave accordingly) when other people don't constantly remind me that it's my moral obligation.
Here's the new thread for posting quotes, with the usual rules: