"Generosity is giving more than you have, and pride is taking less than you need"- Kahlil Gibran. Some ancient thinkers thought proud people were worthy of great things. So, is it better to not feel proud at all? Well, it is said that pride breakfasted with plenty, lunched with poverty, dined with infamy.

This was divided into two emotions by social scientists: hubristic and authentic. Authentic pride with moderation is innocent, confident feeling. Authentic pride is adaptive because this inoffensive emotion encourages success.

Our societies usually face the other one. That is, 'Hubristic pride' which is egotism and arrogance. The latter encourages snobbish behaviour, and arrogance increases narcissism and lower self-awareness. Like an 'arrogant boss' who always brags to put others down. Sometimes this pride comes from  exaggerated appreciation of oneself by devaluing others, so one culture turns other cultures into their competitors,  which we are observing today throughout the world.

Pride becomes poison for the proud persons themselves, and sadly, they may not realise it! , It destroys people. Some of their overconfidence and arrogant emotions force their mindsets to reject the help they need from others. Prideful people do not listen or learn. Some have heavy certificates that hang like necklaces, but in their practical field, their pride destroys by misleading others.

Pride usually means self-importance and superiority, both of which are destructive. It may be colourful and delicious, but it is indigestible. Some people think of pride as the worst crime. This consideration reminds us that everyone makes mistakes, but few get up and fix them because they hate looking in the mirror.

Pride underlies human suffering. Theologians believe that pride is the origin of the evil spirit's sin, while lust is the origin of Adam's sin. In a nutshell, the poison of pride justifies selfishness that destroys relationships.

E-mail: rubaiulmurshed@shomman.org