Pride and egotism have been viewed critically across cultures and eras while still proving endemic to human affairs. The ancient Greeks warned of hubris leading to nemesis. Religions like Christianity and Buddhism caution against prideful living. Shakespeare dramatized tragic falls of proud figures like Othello and Lear.
Yet stories of redemption also reveal paths back from pride's shadow - the humbled king finding wisdom in the wilderness, the disgraced leader who rebuilds character through atonement. Society may exile the arrogant, but the humble rediscover community.
Each of us contains potentials for both hubris and humility. By studying pride's timeless patterns, we gain perspective on its consequences and alternatives. For though pride is instilled early by social rewards, even after pride's fall from grace, there remains hope of returning home as the prodigal son.
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A Cardinal Vice: Pride
SpiritualThis book offers a deep dive into the paradoxical nature of pride - how it can both corrupt and motivate us. This philosophical and psychological examination reveals the complexities of pride as a universal human trait that has been viewed as a sin...