Pride takes a minor accomplishment and makes it feel like a major one. From the start, it drives a wedge between the possessor and reality, subtly and not so subtly changing her perceptions of what something is and what it isn't. It is these steering opinions, only loosely secured by fact or accomplishment, that send us careering toward delusion or worse.
Pride can transform small successes into exaggerated achievements, creating a false sense of importance. This inflated self-perception distorts the individual’s understanding of their actual accomplishments, leading to a disconnect from reality. As a result, it can cloud judgment and hinder personal growth by focusing on superficial recognition instead of substantial development.
Furthermore, these distorted beliefs about one’s abilities or achievements can lead to misguided decisions. When individuals allow pride to dictate their self-view, they may veer towards delusion, ultimately hindering their ability to improve or learn. The temptation to inflate personal accomplishments undermines true success and fosters a harmful break from genuine self-awareness.
