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These are just some thoughts on pride and feelings of superiority, I tried to write it somewhat poetically/sarcastically. What is there to be proud of? It is silly to be proud of that which is beyond my control, such as, my ethnicity, gender, or height. But what about my accomplishments, the good decisions that set me apart from the rest? Though many of the opportunities presented to me were surely influenced by my ethnicity, gender, and height, I still had to take advantage of those opportunities. Was it not my superior intellect and reasoning that allowed me to capitalize?
Where exactly did my “superior” intellect and reasoning come from? If they were inherited by “good” genes, then there is nothing to be proud of, for they were simply given to me. If I was born with an average intellect, how did I develop this “superior” mind? Perhaps it was the burning desire within me that moved me to expand my intelligence through study, conversation, and contemplation. But where did this desire to progress come from? If I was born with an average intellect but a “superior” desire to succeed, then there is nothing to be proud of, for if I was born with the desire, it too was a gift.
If I was born with an average intellect AND an average desire, how did I become so superior? Was there a cause? Was it others’ successes that inspired me, was it their failures that warned me? If it was a cause, then it was external and I’ve nothing to be proud of. But I must be unique, because not everyone would have been inspired as I was. Surely there was something special about me that allowed me to learn from others’ experiences and design a life to my liking, while my brother, who witnessed these same experiences learned nothing. There must have been something inside me that my brother lacked. Still, if the cause was external, I have nothing to be proud of because it happened to me, it was not me. If the cause was internal, it was a gift, given either by God or by my ancestors, either way I still have nothing to be proud of. I can only be thankful and realize that in reality I am no different than my brother.
There is deep significance, regardless of whether or not someone believes in God, in the concept of: Quote:There but for the grace of God go I.
:thumbup: I was born with an above average disposition to feel pride in my superiority to others. 😆 Not even close to my reality, just messing with you.
:angel: I remembered Pres Utchdorf giving a talk about pride a few years ago….I found it and some good quotes: “I believe there is a difference between being proud of certain things and being prideful. I am proud of many things. I am proud of my wife. I am proud of our children and grandchildren.”
and
“At its core, pride is a sin of comparison, for though it usually begins with ‘Look how wonderful I am and what great things I have done,’ it always seems to end with ‘Therefore, I am better than you.’ “
I remember being glad he could say “the word” in general conference…since it’s been taboo for so long. I think we just have to reconcile for ourselves if we are genuinely pleased with our own accomplishments, or if we are elevating ourselves above others in a way that diminishes what they have achieved or who they are. I have no problem being proud of things, people, or myself. Maybe keep it in check, though.
Alex wrote:I remembered Pres Utchdorf giving a talk about pride a few years ago….I found it and some good quotes:
“I believe there is a difference between being proud of certain things and being prideful. I am proud of many things. I am proud of my wife. I am proud of our children and grandchildren.”
and
“At its core, pride is a sin of comparison, for though it usually begins with ‘Look how wonderful I am and what great things I have done,’ it always seems to end with ‘Therefore, I am better than you.’ “
I remember being glad he could say “the word” in general conference…since it’s been taboo for so long. I think we just have to reconcile for ourselves if we are genuinely pleased with our own accomplishments, or if we are elevating ourselves above others in a way that diminishes what they have achieved or who they are. I have no problem being proud of things, people, or myself. Maybe keep it in check, though.
I had mentioned in another thread how I have an ongoing conversation about GAs with a member friend of mine. Much of this conversation actually takes place via email, but we do talk face to face about it as well. Your last paragraph reminded me of something I said to him a couple weeks ago. We were comparing members of the FP, and how in actuality they pretty much give the same message and stick to core principles of the gospel. I had particularly quoted TSM and DFU discussing the same topic and while they did say the same thing, DFU was very much more clear, direct, and detailed about what he was saying. I pointed out that I thought DFU could say things that TSM couldn’t or wouldn’t. I think that applies here as well. I really do think DFU can say some things the general membership might gasp at if TSM said them because the expectations are different.
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