Pride

There is one form of pride I have trouble getting my head around.
It is not the pride in work well done.  I have experienced that and admit I like to return to the scene. Relive the experience.  Experiencing the glow emulating from what I consider a good place.
The pride I have trouble with is that that makes me feel that I am somehow better than others and actually willing to sacrifice them to get my own way.
One of the reasons I have trouble with that way of thinking is that it implies I feel somehow responsible for something I had no control over.  I could have been born into any family at any time.  The circumstances of my birth were totally beyond my power.
It seems ludicrous to me to take credit for something that was so dependent on something totally beyond my power.  I will never begrudge praise to someone who takes what they have and make it something better.  I will always begrudge someone who seeks praise for a gift received.
The desire for power is not something I easily understand but it is something I see the fruit of.  I admit the fruit I see is often destruction.  Dwellings and lives ruined.  Yet the one responsible seemingly does not care and is only wanting their own way.  Willing to get it at any cost.
I don’t get some pride knowing that anything I have that is good started as a gift.  I may be the most powerful man in the world, but I share the same fate as the least influential person in the world.
I guess a lot depends on my world view.  If I feel my actions are without consequence, then anything done either good or bad dies with me or those I interacted with.  If on the other hand I think the consequences of my actions live on, then I think I will be more inclined to care.
Whatever the motivation I want to make a difference for the better in my life the lives of those around me.