Wisdom

Every once in awhile, a quote appears that carries more than its share of truth. Please consider,

Pride is a sense of worth derived from something that is not part of us, while self-esteem derives from the potentialities and achievements of self. We are proud when we identify ourselves with an imaginary self, a leader, a holy cause, a collective body of possessions. There is fear and intolerance in pride; it is insensitive and uncompromising. The less promise and potency in the self, the more imperative is the need for pride. The core of pride is self-rejection.
-- Bruce Lee

This simple statement says a lot about the simple failings of religion and nationalism, and the failings of leadership based on either principle.

When we act based on pride, we are not in fact trying to achieve — we are not in fact making anyone great.

Sources:

1. Maria Popova, “Bruce Lee on Self-Actualization and the Crucial Difference Between Pride and Self-Esteem,” https://getpocket.com/explore/item/bruce-lee-on-self-actualization-and-the-crucial-difference-between-pride-and-self-esteem?utm_source=pocket-newtab