The Battle against Pride: Survival of the Fittest

ONE of the teachings of the Catholic Church regarding the ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ is that all other six roots are begotten of pride: as one priest calls it “the enemy within” (Cole, 2007). But how does one, really, combat against pride and emerge as victorious?

Pride perhaps is the root of all evil. The fall of man is associated with pride (Gn 3:6) as Eve wanted herself and Adam to be equal with God, that is, by gaining wisdom. But does that make pride evil in itself?

The concept branches from self-esteem, which we all know is necessary for human survival in the social world. We may take pride in ourselves as humans, in what we have achieved, i.e., passing a critical exam which none of the students know if approved by consensus or merely brought about by their professor’s angst, graduating on time despite the potentially delaying factors, and the UP Maroons winning against the UE Red Warriors in men’s senior basketball, though the only victory so far. But the saying goes, “All of too much begets evil”, and pride may be defined as the hulk of self-esteem.

As you know, pride is:

• the reason why many scrimp their allowances to buy an overpriced gadget 
• the reason why many eat in expensive restaurants
• the reason why there are divisions inside the Catholic Church
• the reason why some people start their own churches and use the Bible illogically to point to the Catholic Church all the evil described in the Scriptures
• the reason why there's a clash between faiths (sure, "search for truth", sure)
• the reason why some of us look down on the masses: what they wear, what province they're from, and what music and film they listen to and watch
• the reason why we UP students underestimate other schools (explain the acronym "DLSU" written on a UP shirt spelled out as "Di Lumusot Sa UPCAT", please)
• the reason why rich people are treated favorably than the poorer ones, even inside the Catholic Church (though not only in the Catholic Church). Even St. James noticed this (James 2:1-4)
• the reason why there are broken homes
• the reason why corruption exists, and why there's such a thing as "political dynasty"
• the reason why many speak in English in front of the masses, especially in a pseudo-impressive manner (teaching them? Or boasting what you can do?), or just the reason why many people attempt to communicate in English.

Parting from all the worldly pressures may free one from the chains of pride. Sure, perhaps many would think this is easy. Decide to cede all your belongings and have nothing to compare – you won’t go selling your iPhone 4S when your friend gets an iPhone 5, or won't have a picture of yourself with an overpriced camera, or drink. Live the life of a celibate and you won’t have to divorce your wife because she bears you no children. Keep calm when some people call you a moron on the streets and you won’t have to kill them. Order what you can afford and what you can consume so nothing would go to waste. Let God and yourself know that you’re a regular churchgoer, almsgiver, feast day observer, pilgrim, Bible-reader, faith defender. Are these easy?

Winning the battle against pride may take a lifetime, like attaining salvation. One could not say “Today, I am saved!” but cheats on her boyfriend the next day, unless certified as a hypocrite. Concurrently, both require faith and works; for if faith was a tree and works is just its fruit, would not an unfruitful tree be cut down? And the battle against pride requires effort, as said before, to part from the earthly pleasures.

The Buddhist doctrine of Nirvana was explained as complete emptiness: neither happiness nor sorrow. Winning against pride may be the same: for if you forgo of all you hold, what would make you happy that would not make you sad, and similarly, what would make you sad that would not make you happy, at all, forever? In contrast, the Christian concept of eternal life is described as unceasing joy. Either way, both are unimaginable, yet attainable.

Whether the Buddhist Nirvana or the Christian Eternal Life, they are attainable. Attaining either (or both?) must start from conscious little efforts: cutting costs by taking public transport (or walking), whenever possible; abstaining from romantic relationships when unsure of what you feel; being less feisty and more compassionate; buying only necessary things, and; by stopping using “Like-if-Jesus-and-scroll-if-Satan” posts on Facebook.

Everything is possible through good faith and unceasing effort: even toothpaste could be shoved up back in its tube if tried. That includes winning and surviving in the battle against the self, in the battle against pride.