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There is perhaps no one of our natural passions so hard to…

“There is perhaps no one of our natural passions so hard to subdue as pride. Beat it down, stifle it, mortify it as much as one pleases, it is still alive. Even if I could conceive that I had completely overcome it, I should probably be proud of my humility.” quote by Benjamin Franklin
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““There is perhaps no one of our natural passions so hard to subdue as pride. Beat it down, stifle it, mortify it as much as one pleases, it is still alive. Even if I could conceive that I had completely overcome it, I should probably be proud of my humility. ””

Benjamin Franklin

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Pride resists suppression; even when subdued, it reappears, sometimes as false humility.

In simple terms: Pride is hard to eliminate and can masquerade as humility.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and check pride, even when appearing modest.

Themes

pride humility self‑awareness

Mood

reflective cautious

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • leadership
  • conflict resolution
  • team dynamics

Key Concepts

psychology ego virtue

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you differentiate genuine humility from disguised pride?
  • When has pride motivated you positively?
A Different Perspective

Pride may be useful for confidence, so total suppression can be harmful.

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