Pride and shame

Pride and shame

Pride and shame are self-conscious emotions that define an individual’s personality. Notably, these emotions are triggered by external stimuli, and their description depends on the behavior of an individual. Davidson also states that people are keen on expressing the aspect of pride due to the conclusion that they possess an object of high value (745). Nevertheless, pride and shame become unreasonable when they alter a person’s judgment due to feelings of rage and loneliness. Thus, pride and shame dictate the behavior of an individual and his relationship with society.

The emotions of pride and shame are influenced by other factors, such as humility and faults. Humility, according to Isenberg, consists in understanding one’s limitations, whereas pride entails understanding one’s merits (7). However, the understanding of both contexts results in knowing one’s place in society. For instance, an individual may know his or her place in the society as a renowned scientist, but must also realize that his achievements do not trump the rights that others “enjoy merely in virtue of being human” (Isenberg 7). A reasonable man knows that despite his accomplishments in life, he still relies on others for other necessities of life. In this regard, pride is consistent with humility, and an individual may take pride in his achievement. Moreover, a woman may conceal herself in her own beauty, when she deserves condemnation for her ugliness, her entitlement to privileges, or when she fails to understand that her appearance is simply a small part of her individuality (Isenberg 8). However, some women may combine humility with confidence and beauty and demonstrate admiration for achievement and experience (Isenberg 8). Even though consciousness of bodily strength may create swagger and the qualities of a bully, it is compatible with humility and gentleness (Isenberg 8). Thus, the pride of physique is reasonable when it is associated with achievements and services.

Reasonable pride can also be related to a belief in one’s self. For instance, Davidson provides an example of a man who is proud of owning a beautiful house (745). According to Davidson, a genuine belief enables an individual to develop a passion for being part of a particular group (746). Ownership creates a positive impression based on its value. According to his argument, a property must resemble and correspond to pride for an individual to gain respect from other members of the community (Davidson 747). Therefore, people should remain keen on the value of their property and the understanding of other people’s beliefs concerning such possessions to ensure that they can take pride in such resources. Owning a valuable item is, therefore, responsible for the development of a self-conscious emotion of pride. Thus, the interpretation of pride is based on depends on the situation, as it can either be beneficial or detrimental to an individual.

Pride and shame also influence the perception of belonging to a specific group within the society. In this regard, affluent individuals often associate with other rich people as it elevates their status in the community (Davidson 747). Arguably, most of the individuals belonging to such groups tend to have similar thinking since they are influenced by wealth. Shame, on the other hand, is caused by different factors such as faults, weaknesses, and disadvantages (Isenberg 8). As such, shame creates a general belief of unworthiness in society. In this regard, the extent to which individual values himself and his beliefs have a significant effect on shaping perception (Isenberg 14). Arguably, for years, pride and shame have been responsible for creating classes within the society, especially those who place significant importance on possessions such as property. However, proponents of such an argument fail to consider the possessions that cannot be physically valued, for instance, honesty and integrity.

Judgment, especially from close friends, influence the feelings of shame and pride that an individual may experience. Notably, feeling judged cause hate since the affected person may feel that his or her pride has been destroyed. The society has always developed an interest in individuals who are capable of remaining humble despite having to be affluent. Shame, on the other hand, can be unreasonable when it diminishes the reasoning of an individual and cause him or her to engage in acts, such as drug abuse. Dealing with guilt involves adopting values and virtue that will boost an individual’s confidence to take independent reasoning. Thus, avoiding judgment is, probably, the most crucial technique of dealing with the unreasonable aspect of both pride and shame. Moreover, pride can be unreasonable when it fails to allow an individual to express himself or herself in society fully. The relationship established between members of the community will enable a person to consider other people’s perspectives (Davidson 753). As a result, the expression of pride can be approached cautiously to avoid destroying one’s public image. In this regard, since pride may ruin social standing, it is, therefore, essential to check one’s pride to regulate it.

An example of a case where pride and shame are unreasonable is in a relationship between a husband and a wife. A relationship filled with proud partners is likely to fail due to the ego of such individuals. In such a case, it becomes difficult for the partners to admit when they are at fault. As a result, pride is said to be unreasonable as it can result in the eventual breakup of the relationship between such individuals. People are, therefore, encouraged to avoid portraying the aspect of ego due to its effect on the state of relationship that they have with those who are close to them. Successful relationships require partners involved to avoid being carried away by their ego. Pride is also unreasonable when people take pride in meaningless issues and false notions, thus sacrificing their respect and discipline. In this regard, people should dismiss the expectations from peers. Avoiding false praises allow people to keep their status and reputation within the community (Isenberg 16). Furthermore, society has a specific limit of tolerance for individuals who take pride in false praises. Even though false compliments form other people may motivate an individual to achieve their goals, they often have a long-term adverse effect on a person’s confidence. Thus, pride and shame can be considered unreasonable when they cause strain in relationships and false ego.

Shame can also be unreasonable when it negatively affects a person’s behavior. As Isenberg states, shame is responsible for the development of anxiety in most people (11). Markedly, fear hinders a person’s ability to associate with other people, further alienating them in society. Furthermore, the fear of being rejected by peers may cause an individual to take part in activities that are against his or her values and beliefs (Isenberg 12). Besides, the feeling of being dishonored may lead to shame and discord between two people in the same social setting. Even though the fear of shame can prevent people from engaging in illicit behavior, it may also lead to detrimental and unreasonable actions, such as suicide (Isenberg 12). It is, therefore, essential for society to take measures that will prevent the feelings of shame form disadvantaging the vulnerable in society.

Overall, pride and shame are among the most powerful feelings in a human’s life. Pride is often motivated by ownership of material possessions. On the other hand, shame results from taking part in actions that are not permitted in society. Both pride and shame dictate the behavior of an individual and the relationship that he or she develops with other people. Nonetheless, pride and shame are two that cannot be easily reconciled, and they often cause a reduction in social status.