Pride
by James in General on May 7th, 2006
There are two things I have realized tonight. First, the more important of the two to the general population, speaks on the issue of pride, and the falsity that it is, and how it has no place in our lives.First, we must answer exactly what pride is. Pride is a function of the human that tells us, that others should be aware of how good we are, or how good we are at something. To let others know that we are better or good, we generally tell them directly, or act in such a way to make it obvious that we are better than them at task X. We take pride in our good work, as we should, but we should never relish in our pride.Relishing in our pride, or being boastful about something for any length of time does two things. First, we become stop producing or doing things that we worthy of being proud of. Secondly, it builds arrogance. The funny thing about relishing in pride, which causes us to live in the past, it is a re-double of our own efforts that could be better spent elsewhere. The works that we create, should speak for themselves about our skill, and require no mention on our part. Our skill and mastery should be self-apparant, and reflected in the quality of our work, not by running off the mouth.Am I guilty of this? Heck yes I am. We all are at one point or another. However, with this revelation given to me tonight on pride, it has changed my outlook considerably on my works and skills. That, while I may have many different skills, it doesn’t matter. The possession of said skills don’t change who I am, and who I am is what is more important and valuable to my loved ones.On a different note. I am really looking forward to geeking out this next semester. Getting back in my element and regularly getting “into the zone”. Programming. How I’ve missed you.










7th May 2006, hal wrote:
Man, you sound like a Taoist
I’d take it even further, that you don’t feel pride in our own good work, but more satisfaction for working hard and achieving a level of skill. This all sounds like the Taoist teachings that pervades all aspects of Asian society. Like the stereotype of the overly modest master, who does not show off or boast, only speaks and does what is necessary. Never relying on past achievements, only in the trust of one’s inner ability and the way. It all leads back to the idea of “living in the now”, not relying on the past, but trusting yourself and the current context.
7th May 2006, Crispybit wrote:
Welcome back to the zone man, maybe you should consider joining me on the ‘dark side’ lol
nice to have ya back yo!