Pride is concerned with who is right.
Humility is concerned with what is right.
~ Ezra T. Benson
In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis writes, “For pride is spiritual cancer: it eats up the very possibility of love, or contentment, or even common sense.” In my own quest for happiness, I discovered that self—once removed from the equation—makes room for joy. Both of today’s quotes, I think, revolve around self as the root of pride. Recently, I felt disconnected to a close friend and tried to share my feelings. Rather than attempt to understand my heart, however, this person blew off our relationship. My friend’s actions played out louder than words but, although the outcome saddens me, I believe that humbling myself will destroy any self-imposed stumbling blocks and release a bounty of blessings going forward. Doing the right thing is not always the easy thing, but the possibility of love, contentment and common sense is worth it.
What do you believe is the root of pride?
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
Always The Write Time Blog 
Apr 17, 2016 @ 18:30:28
Two things that I think are at the root of pride is fear of failure or looking like I failed; and embarrassment at making poor choices and having to admit them. I can think of applicable situations in my own life where this fits. You are well beyond me in your journey of dealing with pride and issues that come with it. It takes a strong person to do what you did. I wish I could do the same in my own life.
Apr 18, 2016 @ 14:40:25
Freespirit66, thank you for sharing your insights. I am definitely still in the baby step stage of my journey. And it’s taken me a good half century to get this far. But not by my own strength, and not without my heart hurting every day for the loss in my life.
Apr 18, 2016 @ 01:30:57
I think the root of pride is fear of failure. Closely tied to that is the embarrassment of having others find out that poor choices were made that ultimately would result in a failure of something – whether it be a business decision, a relationship, etc.
I can think of many situations in my own life where this has been applicable. Sometimes it’s relatively easy to address these situations and move forward. Other ones I’m still struggling with and probably will for a long time.
You showed a lot of strength and courage in dealing with your friend, Chris. What a loss for her to end a friendship with you.
Thanks for writing about issues that are close to your heart. I always learn something from what you share.
Apr 18, 2016 @ 14:49:10
Thank *you* for sharing, Ann. I do believe that fear of failure, embarrassment, exposure, vulnerability–these are all valid. And for me, they all point back to self. Believe me, I struggle in this area daily. I think it ultimately boils down to removing self from the equation–almost like removing a pair of metaphorical blinders to see where we must deny ourselves for the greater good.