GOD and POETRY

Overvalue of Oneself Leads to Undervalue of Others:

This essay will explore the implications of pride, examine whether egotistical people believe in God's ability to help them, and discuss strategies to foster humility and value others equally.

Pride is often seen as a cardinal sin in many religious and philosophical traditions. This vice arises when someone overvalues themselves and undervalues other individuals and their abilities.

This imbalance in opinion leads to various consequences, affecting personal relationships, societal harmony, and spiritual well-being. When individuals place themselves above others, they typically seek more attention and acclaim, driven by an inflated sense of self-importance. This self-centered mindset isolates them from others and creates a profound dissatisfaction with life.

Pride often manifests in an unending search for validation and acclaim. People who overvalue themselves regularly crave attention, seeking recognition and praise for their accomplishments while dismissing or diminishing the achievements of others.

This need for validation can lead to toxic behavior, as individuals become willing to manipulate and use others to support their sense of superiority. The constant pursuit of approval ultimately breeds discontentment, as the egotistical person finds it challenging to be satisfied with what they have.

This discontentment is intrinsically linked to the absence of humility. Humility involves acknowledging one's limitations and recognizing the inherent worth of others. When people lack humility, they often become self-centered, viewing the world through a narrow lens focused solely on their desires and needs. This perspective can prevent them from experiencing meaningful connections with others and foster a sense of isolation.

The question arises whether egotistical people believe God can help them with difficulties in their lives. For many, believing in a higher power can provide guidance and comfort during challenging times. However, excessively proud individuals may struggle to recognize their need for divine support.

Egotistical people often view themselves as self-sufficient, attributing success to their abilities rather than acknowledging any divine intervention or the support of others. This mindset can hinder their ability to seek or accept help from God or other spiritual sources, further exacerbating their isolation.

So, what must a person do to avoid becoming self-centered?

The first step is to practice self-awareness. Hence, recognizing one's tendencies toward pride and acknowledging the negative impact it can have on relationships and personal growth. Engaging in introspection and seeking feedback from others can help individuals distinguish areas where they may need to change.

To value others equally, individuals must actively strive to cultivate empathy and appreciation for those around them. This can be achieved through various practices:

1. Active Listening: By truly listening to others, individuals can better understand their perspectives and appreciate their experiences. This helps break down the barriers of self-centeredness and fosters genuine connections.

2. Acts of Kindness: Engaging in selfless acts, such as volunteering or helping those in need, can shift the focus from oneself to others. This benefits those being helped but also reinforces the value of compassion and humility.

3. Gratitude Practices: Expressing gratitude for the people and experiences in one's life helps to counteract the tendencies of pride. By focusing on the positive contributions of others, individuals can develop a greater appreciation for those around them.

To trust in God to overcome humility, individuals must open their hearts to the idea that they are not the center of the universe. This can be achieved through spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, or reading sacred texts.

Engaging in these activities, individuals can develop a deeper connection with a higher power and recognize that their strength and success may come from beyond themselves. This realization can help them embrace humility and acknowledge that they are part of a larger whole.

In conclusion, pride results from overvaluing ourselves and undervaluing others, leading to a self-centered existence filled with discontent and isolation. Therefore, a person cultivating humility, practicing empathy, and developing a connection with God or a higher power, an individual can break free from the cycle of pride and embrace a more fulfilling and meaningful life.