The Source of Pride

Pride. It’s one of the 7 deadly sins. C.S. Lewis once said "A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you’re looking down, you can’t see something that’s above you." Pride gets a horrible wrap, and not without reason. An over-abundance of pride can override almost any beneficial attribute.

Pride is one of those attributes, like ambition, that is rarely used to express a good quality, but neither are in themselves vices. Pride also represents a personal connection to an establisment or quality. We take pride in a quality that we think is correct, and in fact should not be changed. In that way I believe that I take pride in my pacifistic nature. A cook who takes pride in his meals will work meticulously to make sure it’s good. We call a group of lions a pride due to their seemingly stately quality (We call owls a parliament because we attribute them with wisom [why do we call crows a murder?])

The same thing isn’t said for humility. Humble is rarely used to express a bad quality, but it is not in itself a merit. One who is too humble places no value in him/herself and therefore does not strive for any commitment. Having said that… I would rather be humble about my prides. Lucky for me, I have a journal to write what I’m proud about , whilst staying humble in front of those who matter to me.

I will humbly drink what gives me the strength to be proud now.