Arrogance Quote by Rollo May
““Much self-condemnation is a cloak for arrogance. Those who think they overcome pride by condemning themselves could well ponder Spinoza's remark "One who despises himself is the nearest to a proud man.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Meaning of Anxiety by Rollo May, 1950
Self‑criticism can mask ego; condemning oneself often hides pride rather than eliminates it.
In simple terms: Self‑condemnation may hide arrogance.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and soften self‑judgment.
Themes
self‑awareness
ego
humility
Mood
introspective
serious
Type
advice
psychological
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- personal reflection
- coaching
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
psychology
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you use self‑criticism to protect ego?
- How can you differentiate healthy self‑reflection from arrogance?
A Different Perspective
Self‑condemnation can also stem from genuine remorse, not just pride.
![“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)
