Friday, May 12, 2006

Pride

Small people compare themselves to the worst people they know, and they are proud of themselves, though others may wonder why.
Great people compare themselves to the greatest people they know of, and they are not proud, though others may wonder why.

3 comments:

Christopher said...

Is pride a virtue or a vice? And if one, why the other?

Eolake Stobblehouse said...

I think that's like asking "is happiness a vice or a virtue". It is neither, for it affects mostly yourself.

Christopher said...

For me, and for many others, pride is a virtue because it serves my happiness, and indirectly, serves the happiness of others.

I need not compare myself to anyone, small or great, to feel worthy of my success. Nor do I
need to serve anyone to be virtuous.

As far as I can see, serving my own needs and interests is the most practical, moral action that I could possibly do for myself.