Character and Conduct – 10 June – Pride

THERE are two states or conditions of pride.  The first is one of self-approval, the second one of self-contempt.   Pride is seen probably at its purest in the last.

Amiel’s Journal

THE foundation of pride is the wish to respect one’s self, whatever others may think;  the mainspring of vanity is the craving for the admiration of others, no matter at what cost to one’s self-respect.

The Heart of Rome, F. MARION CRAWFORD

ANY revelation of greatness overwhelms petty thoughts…   The presence of death turns enemies into friends.   In the same way the petty feelings of pride and vanity would lose much of their power if people had the overwhelming feeling which comes from the contemplation of Almightiness, All-goodness, and All-love.   There would be a marked change in all human relations if men turned from the presence of the Thrice Holy to face one another;  if thoughts of self and for self were driven out of their minds by worship.

The Service of God, Canon BARNETT

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These quotes are from ‘Character and Conduct’ A selection of helpful thoughts from various authors arranged for daily reading.

Collected by Constance M Whishaw and first published in 1905 as a follow up to her volume of Daily Readings for members of the Being and Doing Guild who asked for an additional volume

In her preface Whishaw writes:

‘This collection of noble thoughts expressed by men and women of past and present ages who have endeavoured to leave the world a little better than they found it.’

It is my hope in publishing them here readers may be inspired to imitate the example of the authors.