Pride
The most subtle and deadliest sin; the quality of having an excessively high opinion of oneself or one’s own importance.
The nemesis of merit.
A quality present in the offspring of devouring mothers.
The gatekeeper of all other sins. Once we have discovered our capacity to justify out thoughts and actions – irrespective of content – then all is permissible from our perspective.
Historically considered as the sin that sits atop the throne of all human shortcomings. Now it is disguised as self-acceptance, self-esteem, and self-love, which are obsessively discussed as we are encouraged to acquire more of each. This is assuming that any of these were laudable, real, and that there are no limits to their utility beyond a certain point. More is always better. Criminals, who have among the highest recorded opinions of themselves, agree wholeheartedly.
There is an ocean between pride and humility, and occupying a spot on either shore is likely to cause harm. We ought not be ground into dust, but accepting unearned accolades is beyond the pale. Currently, we reward those who demand unearned attention, position, or rewards, for fear that if we do not, someone may kill themselves – or worse – they may become unpopular. The fact that this diminishes the accomplishments of those who earned their stripes is inconsequential to the army who believe they are in a war against low self-esteem. Unfortunately, their battles bear no fruit, because their maps do not match the territory.
The prideful believe they are entitled to something simply because of who they are.
Pride breeds narcissistic justification.
Participation trophies were the alarm bells.
Posted: 26 Mar 2023
