Humility or pride? Where a champion, a psychiatrist and Objectivists split
Yaron Brook defends pride as a virtue against Michael Malice in a direct exchange on humility versus pride, psychiatrist Paul Conti separates healthy pride from narcissism and pairs it with gratitude and humility, Khabib Nurmagomedov calls humility the guard against the trap of success, Bert Kreischer recalls his father's lesson in humility, and Gary Vaynerchuk links humility to peace of mind. The disagreement is partly about definitions, and sorting them out shows which kind of pride helps and which kind sets up a fall.
Why does much of the humility versus pride argument dissolve? Show answer
The speakers use the same words for different things. Once meanings are pinned down, most of them agree, and the real dispute is about credit.
What does Yaron Brook mean when he calls humility a vice? Show answer
He means thinking little of yourself, with guilt and obedience. He accepts humility in the sense of knowing there is more to know.
How does Brook define pride? Show answer
Taking your life seriously and taking credit for your achievements.
What kind of humility does Michael Malice defend? Show answer
Knowing the limits of your knowledge. Even someone you might dismiss can teach you something, and experts who dismiss others are often wrong.
Where does Malice say humility matters most? Show answer
In politics. Someone comfortable forcing others to live a certain way assumes he knows what is best for them, and he does not.
How does Paul Conti define narcissism? Show answer
As a deep, pervasive sense of inadequacy in the self, covered by aggression. He calls it the opposite of arrogance.
Why does Conti defend healthy pride? Show answer
Owning what is yours keeps you in balance and less vulnerable to envy. Gratitude alone can send the message that you were just lucky.
What does humility mean to Khabib Nurmagomedov? Show answer
Perspective. What you chase is not the most important thing in life, and we are not such big, important people.
Where does Khabib say humility does not belong? Show answer
Inside the cage. There your opponent is trying to stop your dream, and he was driven by the hatred of losing.
What did Bert Kreischer learn from his father? Show answer
That humility is the absence of entitlement. He took a job working the door at a comedy club and stopped fearing looking foolish.
How does Gary Vaynerchuk practice humility? Show answer
He is unimpressed by business accomplishments, his own included, and compares himself with all of humanity, not just the famous and rich.
What is the disagreement that remains? Show answer
Credit for success. Brook says to take it yourself. Khabib gives it to God, Vaynerchuk stresses luck, and Conti says be grateful and own it.