Ezra Taft Benson: 'Pride is ugly. It says, 'If you succeed, I am a failure.''

Pride is ugly. It says, 'If you succeed, I am a failure.'

In his profound and thought-provoking statement, Ezra Taft Benson captures the essence of pride as an ugly, destructive force that thrives on comparison and rivalry. The quote's straightforward meaning lies in its assertion that those consumed by pride perceive the success of others as a personal failure for themselves. However, to truly grasp the significance of this quote, we can delve into a philosophical concept that sheds light on the deeper nature of pride and its impact on our lives - the concept of interconnectedness.Pride, as Benson suggests, blinds us to the interconnectedness of all beings and the inherent value of every individual's success. It stems from a narrow-minded perspective that views success as a limited resource, leading to feelings of envy and resentment when others achieve it. Such a mindset fails to recognize that one person's triumph does not diminish another's potential or worth.To comprehend the destructive power of pride, it is essential to understand the notion of interconnectedness. This philosophy, often found in Eastern teachings and spiritual practices, emphasizes the interconnected and interdependent nature of all existence. It suggests that we are all part of a larger whole, and our actions and well-being are intricately linked to the well-being of others.When pride takes hold, it reinforces a false sense of separation and individualism. We become fixated on our own achievements and dwell on the potential shortcomings of others. This mindset perpetuates a sense of competition and comparison, leading to feelings of inferiority, hostility, and even a diminished ability to genuinely celebrate the success of others.In contrast, embracing the philosophy of interconnectedness allows us to see the fallacy of pride and its detrimental effects. When we recognize that another person's accomplishment is not a mark against our own worth, but rather an affirmation of the limitless possibilities available to all, our perspective shifts. We can genuinely celebrate the successes of others, seeing them as opportunities for inspiration, growth, and collective progress.Moreover, understanding interconnectedness enables us to appreciate the diverse talents and strengths that each individual brings to the table. Recognizing the uniqueness within ourselves and others, we move away from comparison and instead cultivate an atmosphere of collaboration, support, and mutual respect. The achievements of others become a source of inspiration and motivation instead of triggers for self-doubt and resentment.In the grand tapestry of life, each person's success contributes to the greater fabric of human achievement and progress. By embracing this interconnectedness, we can rise above pride's insidious presence in our lives and foster a more harmonious and compassionate existence.Ultimately, Ezra Taft Benson's quote highlights the ugliness of pride by exposing its root cause: the flawed belief that someone else's success undermines our own. By exploring the concept of interconnectedness, we unravel the inherent futility of such thinking and open ourselves up to a more inclusive, collaborative, and fulfilling way of being. Let us strive to shatter the illusions of pride, celebrating the achievements of others as inspirations rather than threats, and building a world where success is not a zero-sum game but a shared journey of growth and transformation.