Arrogance Quote by John Bradshaw
“Arrogance is a way for a person to cover up shame. After years of arrogance, the arrogant person is so out of touch, she truly doesn't know who she is. This is one of the greatest tragedies of shame cover-ups: not only does the person hide from others, she also hides from herself.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Healing the Shame that Binds You, John Bradshaw, 1988
Arrogance masks deep shame, leading to self‑ignorance and tragedy when the person loses touch with their true self.
In simple terms: Arrogance hides shame and self‑knowledge.
Key Takeaway
Recognize humility to uncover authentic self.
Themes
humility
self‑awareness
shame
identity
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
advice
psychological
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- personal coaching
- relationship counseling
- leadership development
Key Concepts
psychology
defense mechanisms
self‑deception
Questions to Reflect On
- What shame am I covering with arrogance?
- How can vulnerability replace my need to appear superior?
A Different Perspective
Arrogance may also protect fragile ego, making change difficult.
![“Perhaps no order of mammals presents us with so extraordinary a series of gradations as this [step by step, from humans to apes to monkeys to lemurs] - leading us insensibly from the crown and summit of the animal creation down to creatures, from which there is but a step, as it seems, to the…” quote by Thomas Huxley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f0b/thomas-huxley-1183_animal_perhaps-no-order-of-mammals-presents-us_3051.jpg)
