"Every man is crucified upon the cross of himself"

Whittaker Chambers' quote "Every man is crucified upon the cross of himself" is a profound reflection on the human condition, suggesting an extreme internal battle each private faces. At its core, this quote emphasizes the concept that everyone is strained by their own distinct challenges, defects, and self-questionings-- signified by the crucifixion on their personal cross.

Making use of "crucified" conjures images of suffering and sacrifice, echoing spiritual narratives, particularly the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, which is a symbol of supreme sacrifice and redemption in Christian theology. By paralleling this imagery, Chambers recommends that people withstand a type of suffering intrinsic to their nature, identity, and existential dilemmas. The phrase "the cross of himself" further highlights that these battles are self-imposed or innate to a person's presence, instead of being entirely a result of external forces. It indicates that the problems people bear are mostly due to their personal choices, is sorry for, worries, and moral issues.

This concept can be extended to suggest that individuals should fix up with their intrinsic contradictions and internal disputes. For numerous, these might be fights of conscience, identity, or the stress between one's desires and societal expectations. It underscores the idea that individual development and redemption come through facing and understanding these internal struggles.

Furthermore, the reflective nature of this quote welcomes a more comprehensive philosophical reflection on individuality, freedom, and duty. It evokes an existentialist perspective, where people must navigate the complexities of their liberty and the consequences of their choices. The "cross" here is symbolic of individual duty, requiring that individuals confront the parts of themselves they might choose to disregard.

Ultimately, Chambers' quote serves as a reminder of the universal, albeit deeply personal, journey towards self-awareness and authenticity. Each person's path to understanding and overcoming their "cross" involves welcoming their mankind, with all its imperfections and possible for redemption.