Why Pride, Part IV. Pride's Perfect Partner: Humility ⚖️

Balancing Act

Humility: A buffer between False Pride and True Pride

As we've explored in previous sections, True Pride is a powerful force for personal growth and achievement. 

However, like any potent tool, it requires careful handling. Enter Humility - the essential buffer that keeps True Pride from tipping into arrogance or false pride.

Humility isn't about downplaying our accomplishments or denying our strengths. Rather, it's about maintaining a realistic perspective on our place in the world and the many factors that contribute to our success.

It's the quiet inner confidence that allows us to take pride in our achievements while still remaining open to growth, criticism, and the contributions of others.

In Part IV of our exploration into pride, we'll delve into how humility serves as both a complement and a safeguard to True Pride. We'll examine real-world examples of successful individuals who embody this balance, and discuss how cultivating humility can lead to more sustainable success and deeper personal fulfillment.

Meryl Streep is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of our time, with a record 21 Academy Award nominations. However, despite her immense talent and critically acclaimed body of work, Streep maintains a refreshing humility.

Meryl Streep

In her 2012 Golden Globes acceptance speech, she said: "I really understand I'll never be cheered that way again." 

She recognized her accomplishments while also understanding they were exceptional circumstances worthy of gratitude, not entitlement. Streep has also consistently credited her success to good timing and luck, stating: "I'm an employee. That's how I think of myself. I belong to the theater, and the theater has been very good to me."

Rather than an ego-driven narrative of being a supremely gifted actor destined for greatness, she acknowledges how much of her success depended on getting hired for the right roles at the right time.

Perhaps most importantly, Streep deeply appreciates the collaborative nature of her craft, thanking everyone from directors to costume designers for their crucial contributions in helping her shine. Her humility is grounded in recognizing she did not achieve her legendary status alone.

Like Meryl Streep, Brandon Stanton also demonstrates the power of humility in the face of success.

Brandon Stanton is the author behind the wildly popular photo-blog Humans of New York. After his first book became a bestseller, earning him over $1 million in royalties, Stanton didn't hoard his sudden wealth from sudden success.

Brandon Stanton

Instead, he donated a significant portion to assist the principals of several underprivileged Brooklyn schools through an initiative called the HONY Giving Tour. The funds helped those schools invest in everything from educational programs to washing machines for students' families.

When asked about his motivations, Stanton said: "I'd been given this amazing life because of the loves and sacrifices of many people...The success of HONY was not earned by me alone."

Rather than letting pride over his viral success overshadow compassion, Stanton recognized his achievements were enabled by support from the very communities he was now committed to uplifting. His humility meant true pride was sharing the opportunity with others.

Balance of Pride and Humility

Unchecked pride, can lead to arrogance and a distorted sense of self-importance. This can alienate others and hinder true growth.

Arrogance

However, as we've seen through the examples of Meryl Streep, Brandon Stanton, and others, true success isn't just about individual achievement - it's about recognizing the complex tapestry of factors that contribute to our accomplishments. 

By balancing True Pride with genuine humility, we open ourselves to continued growth, deeper connections with others, and a more nuanced understanding of our place in the world.

Cultivating this balance is a lifelong journey. It requires constant self-reflection, openness to feedback, and a willingness to acknowledge both our strengths and our limitations. But the rewards are immense. By embracing humility alongside True Pride, we can:

• Build more authentic and lasting relationships

• Remain open to learning and improvement

• Navigate setbacks with resilience

• Contribute positively to communities

• Find deeper meaning and satisfaction in accomplishments

Reaching a common goal

Here are some specific ways to cultivate humility in your daily life:

• Practice gratitude: Regularly reflect on the things you're thankful for, big or small. This can help shift your focus away from entitlement and towards appreciating what you have.

• Seek feedback actively: Ask trusted friends, colleagues, or mentors for honest feedback on your work and behavior. Be open to constructive criticism and use it as a learning opportunity.

• Acknowledge your mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes. When you mess up, own it, apologize if necessary, and learn from the experience.

• Celebrate the success of others: Be genuinely happy for the achievements of others. This fosters a sense of community and prevents your own pride from becoming isolating.

• Focus on growth, not just achievement: While celebrating accomplishments is important, prioritize learning and improvement over simply reaching a goal. This keeps you humble and motivated.

Every-day growth

Remember, True Pride tempered by humility isn't about diminishing your light - it's about recognizing that your light shines brighter when it illuminates others as well. 

As you continue on your path of personal growth and achievement, strive for that delicate balance. 

Let your true pride in your accomplishments fuel your journey, but let your humility guide you towards wisdom, compassion, and lasting fulfillment.

In My Novel, "Melissa"

The Price of Unchecked Pride

For a compelling exploration of the dangers of unchecked pride, dive into my novel "Melissa." Follow the journey of Nathan, a brilliant but arrogant scientist whose ambition leads him to cross ethical boundaries. 

As Nathan grapples with the consequences of his actions, readers witness firsthand the destructive power of false pride and the importance of humility in scientific pursuits.

Will Nathan learn to balance his ambition with humility before it's too late? Or will his pride lead to his downfall? 

Discover Nathan's fate and explore these themes further in "Melissa." Sign up now to receive your FREE ebook on launch day: https://rbjal.com/melissa-sign-up

Source of Images: 

Meryl Streep: Just Jafred

Brandon Stanton: Crain's New York business

Other images: Nightcafe Studio

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"Melissa": A Gripping Tale of Loss and Redemption - Be Among the First Readers!

Journey into the depths of human darkness and enlightenment by joining our Advanced Reader  Copy program for "Melissa" - an emotionally gripping novel!

Unravel the story of talented scientist Nathan as his arrogance leads him to a shattering downfall. Witness his raw anguish, but know that even in the deepest darkness, a spark of hope can remain.

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"Why? The question persistently echoed in his mind, a haunting refrain that refused to be silenced. The weight of the unknowable pressed down on him, suffocating him with its relentless uncertainty. 

Why did this happen? How could everything be taken away so suddenly? 

The unanswered questions pierced his soul, like shards of glass slicing through flesh, tormenting him with the futility of his search for answers, only fueling his despair. He searched for the rational thinking that had always guided him, the comforting logic that had once provided a sense of order in the confusion of life, but now he found only emptiness.

Loss shattered his world. Can he find redemption beneath the endless sky?

 The universe, once a source of wonder and fascination, now appeared cold and indifferent, a cruel jester playing with his fragile heart. 

'God!' he cried out, the word tasting like bitter ashes on his tongue. His voice echoed through the empty home, a haunting testament to his profound loss. 

'Why did you take her from me? Why?' 

But no divine answer came to ease his shattered heart, no comforting reassurance to soothe his anguished soul. Nathan's sobs echoed through the empty home, a heartbreaking melody that spoke volumes of his despair."

How can you emerge from darkness into the light without first traversing its shadows? Gain early access to Nathan's profoundly human story and provide feedback that will shape the final novel. 

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Hamlet's Last Choice: A Love Story Centuries in the Making

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Beyond the Veil of Vengeance: A Ghost, A Prince, A Love Undying

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About the Author

Sci-fi author Jacklyn A. Lo tackles life's big questions in captivating tales like "Redemption" (a time-travel adventure) and the upcoming "Melissa," a chilling exploration of ambition and false pride. Discover more at https://rbjal.com.

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Why Pride? Part III: When Giants Stay Grounded 🌟

Self-Awareness

Self-awareness: The Cornerstone of True Pride

In our realm of skepticism, many question the necessity of "True Pride" for achieving success. However, this notion is not as outlandish as it might initially seem. Numerous successful figures embody True Pride, a quality distinct from the pitfalls of arrogance and delusion. 

True Pride is a healthy sense of accomplishment that is grounded in self-awareness and humility. It stems from a continuous process of self-reflection. By constantly asking "Who am I?", we gain a grounded understanding of our strengths, weaknesses, and accomplishments. This self-awareness prevents us from falling into the trap of ignorance, which can fuel arrogance and a false sense of superiority.

In this part of the article "Why Pride," we'll explore self-awareness, the cornerstone of cultivating genuine pride, through the examples of prominent individuals.

By being self-aware about one's strengths, weaknesses, privileges, support systems, and the contextual factors that enabled success, an individual is much better positioned to take pride in their accomplishments in a grounded, humble, and constructive way.

Lack of self-awareness, on the other hand, can lead to inflated egos, entitlement, failing to give credit where due, and succumbing to the trappings of False Pride.

Self-awareness involves understanding that achievements, while worthy of pride, do not make you inherently superior to others. Self-awareness means recognizing that success often results from a combination of hard work, fortunate circumstances, support from others, and building upon the knowledge and efforts of those who came before you.

Let's look at a real-life examples illustrating self-awareness as a key aspect of True Pride:

Marie Curie

Maria Curie

Despite her immense scientific fame (20th century radioactivity pioneer), Marie Curie displayed remarkable self-awareness about the international nature of scientific progress. During her time, science was often viewed through a nationalistic lens. Curie, a Polish researcher in France, challenged this perspective. She famously stated that science is "essentially international" and transcends borders. 

For Curie, scientific discovery was a collaborative effort built upon the work of countless scholars across cultures and throughout history. Her belief in science as a unifying human endeavor exemplifies the self-awareness that true pride requires.

Andrew Carnegie

Andrew Carnegie

Businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who established the Carnegie Corporation and built one of the most massive fortunes of the 19th century, demonstrated self-awareness in his later years. Despite his immense wealth and success, he acknowledged the role of luck and timing, stating, "I resolved to stop accumulating and begin the infinitely more serious and difficult task of wise distribution." 

Carnegie's self-awareness led him to dedicate a significant portion of his wealth to establishing libraries, universities, and charitable organizations, recognizing that his fortune alone did not define his true legacy.

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Despite his numerous achievements and accolades, he displayed remarkable self-awareness about his own limitations. 

In his famous "Flu Game" during the 1997 NBA Finals, Jordan was battling food poisoning but still managed to score 38 points. After the game, he humbly stated, "I almost played myself into passing out...I could barely breathe." 

Despite his heroic performance, Jordan acknowledged his physical struggles and the toll the game took on him, rather than boasting about his superhuman effort.

The examples of Michael Jordan, Marie Curie, and Andrew Carnegie illustrate how maintaining self-awareness, even at the highest levels of achievement, is crucial for embodying True Pride. While their specific contexts varied – athletics, scientific discovery, and business success – a common thread emerges. 

Personal Growth

Self-awareness enabled them to view their accomplishments with humility and gratitude. It also fostered a broader perspective that extended beyond individual accolades.

It grounded them in the understanding that success is a multifaceted journey, built upon the contributions of others and fortified by circumstances that often transcend personal abilities alone.

As these examples demonstrate, self-awareness is a multifaceted trait encompassing several key aspects that safeguard against the pitfalls of arrogance and False Pride. Here are some examples of these key aspects:

1. Acknowledging limitations and struggles, even amidst great feats (e.g. Michael Jordan's "Flu Game")
2. Giving credit to mentors, collaborators, and the broader community that enabled achievements (e.g. Marie Curie on science being an international endeavor)
3. Maintaining perspective that individual accomplishments are part of a larger historical/cultural context (e.g. Andrew Carnegie on wise wealth distribution)
4. Avoiding arrogance or a sense of being inherently better/more deserving than others
5. Ability to separate self-worth from external accomplishments and accolades

Self-awareness allows for justifiable pride in one's hard work and achievements, while still maintaining humility, appreciating others' contributions, and recognizing that continued growth depends on honestly evaluating strengths and weaknesses. It is the antidote to the dangerous pitfalls of arrogance, entitlement and false pride.

Lack of self-awareness, on another hand, could lead to False Pride traps such as arrogance, and distancing yourself from others based on a faulty perception of yourself as a superior being. Ultimately, it can lead to a loss of moral clarity and a disconnection from one's true values and purpose.

Self-awareness is a multifaceted journey, and its exploration can be enriched through various avenues. Fiction, for example, provides a unique lens to examine the complexities of human character and the impact of self-perception or lack of it. 

In My Novel, "Melissa"

In my Novel, "Melissa," embark on a captivating journey of self-discovery with Nathan, a brilliant scientist whose ambitious pursuit takes a dangerous turn. Will Nathan learn the valuable lesson of True Pride before it's too late? 

Sign up for your FREE ebook of "Melissa" on launch day and discover Nathan's fate!  

Why Pride, Part II: When the Carrot Becomes Poison 🥕⚠️

False Pride

The Two Faces of Pride

In our pursuit of goals and achievements, pride plays a significant role. However, not all pride is created equal. This part delves into the crucial distinction between True pride, a healthy sense of accomplishment, and false pride, which can lead to arrogance and self-absorption. Understanding this is essential for navigating success with humility and fostering positive self-growth.

One of the most important aspects of the concept of pride is understanding the difference between True pride and false pride.

False Pride vs. True Pride

Take, for example, an entrepreneur who, out of healthy pride, works hard, constantly learns new things, takes risks, and finally achieves monetary success. The pride is his carrot and there is nothing wrong with that. In this case, pride is natural and plays a positive motivating role.

However, if this pride spills over into arrogance, the entrepreneur might focus solely on dominating and expanding without considering the impact on others. This insatiable desire for superiority, fueled by an inflated ego, exemplifies the pitfalls of False Pride.

True Pride

False Pride isn't logical. It's a psychological compulsion, a hunger to feel better than everyone else, regardless of merit. It becomes an obsession, a delusion of superiority that consumes the individual and blinds them to reality, i.e. False Pride pushes a person into insatiable. From that moment he doesn't merely rest on his laurels; he seeks to expand without caring for others, to dominate, and finally, to establish a monopoly. This form of pride isn't propelled by any deep-rooted rationale; it is simply a relentless desire for greater triumph.

True Pride, in contrast, fosters a growth mindset and helps in the development of consciousness. True Pride acknowledges achievements while recognizing success often stems from a combination of hard work, constant learning, timing, luck, and support from others.

True Pride emphasizes self-awareness, humility, and a willingness to learn and grow. It motivates us to celebrate both our own and others' accomplishments and inspires collaboration. By cultivating True Pride, we can navigate success with a grounded sense of self-worth and contribute positively to the world around us.

In our pursuit of goals, pride plays a significant role. But not all pride is equal. This part explores the key difference between True Pride (healthy accomplishment) and False Pride (arrogance, self-absorption). Understanding this is essential for navigating success with humility and fostering growth.

Characteristics of True Pride

True Pride

True Pride is more than just feeling good about ourselves. It encompasses several key characteristics:

• Self-Awareness

• Humility

• Compassion

• Openness to Feedback

• Limiting Comparisons

• Accountability

• Constant Re-evaluation

• Seeking Balance

Building True Pride: A Lifelong Journey

True Pride transcends a fleeting sense of accomplishment. It fosters a growth mindset, embraces partnerships and collaboration, and celebrates the achievements of others. 

By cultivating compassion, openness to feedback, limiting comparisons, accountability, celebrating others, and constant re-evaluation, we can navigate success with humility and contribute positively to the world. 

In the next part (Part III), we'll delve deeper into how to cultivate these characteristics in your daily life, with real-life examples.

In My Novel, "Melissa"

 Arrogance of Nathan

A brilliant scientist named Nathan grapples with the consequences of succumbing to False Pride. Witness his terrifying spiral and its impact on him, those around him, and even humanity. 

Will Nathan's ambition for scientific discovery lead to his downfall, or can he learn the valuable lesson of True Pride before it's too late? Curious to see how it unfolds? Sign up for your FREE ebook of "Melissa" on launch day and discover Nathan's fate! Click on the link