In Pride we Ride

For four years in high school, we sang about riding in pride in our school anthem. Moments after the school anthem we would go to the school chapel where the chaplain would preach about humility. It was instilled in us that we were a great school and we should be proud boys; but were constantly reminded that humility is a virtue, the opposite of pride. It was hard reconciling the idea of riding in pride whilst being humble. More than a decade later, I still have not got the answer.

Our School Anthem

Thoughts and deeds shall bide with task.
Keep the Rose brightly ye our emblem.
Sieve the trash dear Lord we ask.
For Nihil Praeter Optimum.
In pride we ride.
With rules abide.
As all the boys and staff combine.
All members here in Lenana.
We aim at Nothing But The Best.

I do not have the answer to the question of pride vs. humility. I am torn right through the middle by different schools of thought and would love to hear your thoughts on this. I think conflict on issues like this affect our level success.

What is Pride?

Pride is a feeling of self-respect and personal worth. It also means satisfaction with your (or another’s) achievements. Pride can be both a positive and negative emotion.

Pride can be viewed as either a virtue or vice. When viewed as a virtue, pride in one’s appearance and abilities is known as virtuous pride, greatness of soul or magnanimity. When viewed as a vice it is often termed vanity or vainglory.

Negative pride is the opposite of humility. Unfortunately for most people, especially the church, there is no distinction between positive and negative pride. Pride is regarded as one of the seven deadly sins. In fact, it is regarded as the ultimate source from which the other sins arise.

It is identified as a desire to be more important or attractive than others, failing to acknowledge the good work of others, and excessive love of self. The bible’s story of Lucifer pin points pride (his desire to compete with God) as the cause of his fall from Heaven, and his resultant transformation into Satan.

Depending on who you talk to, they will tell you pride is synonymous to any of the following words: Ego, Joy, Delight, Pleasure, Big-Headedness, Best, Elite, Prime, Cream, Brag, Boast, Cockiness, Self-Love,  Self-Worth, Self-Respect, Self-Exaltation, Self-Admiration, Self-Confidence, Self-Glorification,  Self-Importance, Self-Sufficiency, Dignity, Vanity, Satisfaction, Scornfulness or Pretension. Some of those words are good while others are bad.

Clearly, the word pride is a problem for a lot of people. Some will say that pride comes before a fall; while others believe that the pride of accomplishments is what drives people to success. The purpose of this blog is to inspire you to be the best you can be, to encourage you to succeed, and to be proud of your accomplishments.

Even the bible is not really clear about the issue of pride. 2 Corinthians 5:12 says:

We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.

Apostle Paul’s writing in the above verse shows that one can be proud and be within the will of God.

• Proverbs 8:13 (NIV).  To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

• Proverbs 16:18-19 (NIV).  Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.

What is Humility?

Humility, or being humble, is the characteristic of an unpretentious and modest person, someone who does not think that he or she is better or more important than others. It is a disposition to be humble; a lack of false pride.

Humility is one of the seven heavenly virtues that are designed to protect people from the temptations of the seven deadly sins. It is regarded as modest behavior, selflessness, and the giving of respect. It is characterized by giving credit where credit is due; not unfairly glorifying one’s own self.

Pride in Relationships

I believe that for one to have a good relationship you must be proud of your partner. You cannot have a healthy relationship with someone if you look down upon them. Pride is a natural selection tool to help in appropriate pairing. If your partner is not proud of you, it may be a sign of trouble.

A parent should be proud of his family and spend time with them in order to have a deep and meaningful relationship. It is hard for love to thrive without mutual pride, and desire to be with each other.

Pride in Careers

Pride is the belief that you have everything in your career under control because of your uniqueness, skills, authority, and competence. One cleaner will say “I am only a cleaner” while another one will say with pride “I am the cleaner”. The way you look at your job and your importance should not be dictated by others. You should be proud of your position and if you find yourself not being proud, use that as a sign to up your game and move ahead.

Pride in Finances

Many people spend in pride and end up in financial ruin. Instead, invest in pride. Be choosy about your investments. Get the investments that you deserve. Do not have a haughty spirit and spend your money to show off to others. Instead focus on long term financial strategies that you will be proud of for years to come.

Summary

Depending on your religious affiliation, you may see pride as a bad thing. I grew up with pride being demonized, but I am proud person. I like to think of myself as proud in a positive way, proud of who I am, and my contribution to the world.

Many religious and successful people and those that aspire to succeed probably experience conflict in this issue. However as soon as one starts being proud of their achievements, the internal bible tells them to stop. It becomes harder to stop after tasting the sweet joy of success.

I would love to hear your views on pride and humility. Maybe I am missing something.

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