Arrogance Quote by John Michael Greer
““The attitude that psychologists call inflation and the traditional lore of Cabalistic magic, borrowing a term from religion, calls spiritual pride is one of the most serious dangers of this work. Those who enter the path of magic with too great an appetite for flattery or too strong a need for ego reinforcement will very likely find these things, but they are also rather too likely to find fanaticism, megalomania and mental breakdown along the same route. The thing has happened far too often in the history of magic in the West.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Practice of Magic” by John Michael Greer, 2009
Excessive ego and desire for validation in magical practice can lead to pride, fanaticism, and mental collapse, warning against self‑inflation.
In simple terms: Beware of ego‑driven pride in spiritual pursuits.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate humility and critical self‑reflection.
Themes
pride
spirituality
ego
danger
Mood
cautionary
critical
Type
philosophical
warning
When to use this quote
- ritual work
- personal development
- spiritual study
- leadership training
Key Concepts
psychology
magical practice
hubris
Questions to Reflect On
- What checks can you place on your own pride?
- How do you recognize healthy versus harmful ambition?
A Different Perspective
Unchecked ego can cause harmful extremism.
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