Therapeutic Word of the Day: Pride

“A small amount is needed for healthy self-esteem. Large amounts will destroy your life and those around you.”

Pride, one of the 7 deadly sins, is highly dangerous. A small amount of pride is healthy as it helps is to feel good about the things we have done. This is a positive feeling that can reinforce us to continue to do well. Being happy over accomplishments is a good thing. However, like most things in life, extreme amounts of pride will destroy your life and those you care for.

Those with excessive pride refuse to admit they have done anything wrong. This is often due to low self-esteem, where any sort of criticism, especially self-criticism, cannot be tolerated as it is painful. Therefore, admitting problems and weaknesses is discouraged. I have known many prideful people in my life who refuse to admit they are at fault for anything. They blame others for all their failings and do not understand personal responsibility. Most of these people I have cut from my life, as I do not need someone around who refuses to learn and grow from their mistakes.

I have seen pride destroy families. I have seen fathers deny their children have problems, as it would damage their pride. Pride is one of the most deadly failings, as it leads to all others. At times, we are all prideful. No one likes to admit they failed. But to ignore failures and blame others means we will repeat mistakes and damage those around us.

Nathan Driskell
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