Pride (pleasure from one’s achievements) is a very powerful force for feeding the ego. If handled properly, it can have positive effects, and if not, it can have many more negative effects.
This post was inspired by a recent moment of self-reflection. Earlier today, I shared the following on my Facebook profile:
Here, I talk about actively fighting pride, but then again, I shared it on Facebook, so am I really actively fighting it? What’s with the paradox here?
In my opinion, one should be free to take pleasure in their own achievements, but not to the extent that it takes control of them. Enjoy it, but let it not define you, let it not take full control of you.
The following quote is an example of how pride can distort our perception of the past. When left unchecked, pride often rewrites history to serve the ego, making us unwilling to admit mistakes or confront uncomfortable truths.
Memory and Pride were fighting. Memory said, ‘It was like this’ and Pride said, ‘It couldn’t have been like this’—and Memory gives in. – Nietzsche
Pride can also affect personal growth, especially for those who prioritize learning and discovery. Common traps include:
- Comparing oneself to others: “I achieved this, you didn’t.”
- Inflating self-worth: “I am smarter than you.”
- Closing oneself off: “You can’t teach me anything.”
These mindsets create barriers, isolating us from opportunities to grow. The truth is, every person and every situation has something to teach us—if only we remain open to it. Humility is what allows us to embrace our imperfections, learn from them, and move forward.
So, feel free to enjoy pride as long as you make sure it’s tamed.
bor0's reflective blog 