Arrogance

Arrogance is a prevalent attitude among people today. It is defined in Webster’s dictionary as, “offensive display of superiority or self-importance; overbearing pride.”

It can be expressed in many disciplines or stations in life; economic wealth, ethnic purity, (WASP) academic achievement, job or employment position, physical appearance, athletic prowes, etc.

The pinnacle of arrogance is only exceeded by ignorance. Social equality is unthinkable. Arrogance is more basic in human nature than even racial bias. It is akin to what Reinhold Neihbur called the essence of sin-PRIDE.

Exaltation, separation, special favor; the feeling of personal achievement precipitates this. This leads to an attitude of a person being a law unto themselves. Whatever was achieved was done so by themselves, without anyone else’s help.

It has been expressed by a variety of people.

Starting with the words of the Apostle Paul in the New Testament. In the Book of Romans chapter 14, verse 7 are the words, “None of us lives to himself, and no man dies to himself.” The contrary view is arrogance.

A repugnant by-product of arrogance is the propagation of a despicable lie, “Anyone can make it like I’ve done. There’s no law against it.” Equality of opportunity is supposedly guaranteed in our Constitution. But that does not take into consideration of bigotry, prejudice, poverty, physical handicaps, family turmoil (causing divorce), and poor educational opportunities.

The causes are so subtle as to be almost non-legible. However, the rise of racism in several states is obvious. Laws are being promulgated to exclude anyone who does not have a driver’s license. Among those being targeted are: seniors, handicapped, minorities (blacks and Hispanics) who often do not drive.

The “glass ceiling” for women has not been eliminated. Those who “have” are always resistant to others who are striving to break through all kinds of ceilings. Wages are unequal between women and men doing the same job. The number of minorities on high responsible jobs in corporations is minuscule.

Two classic illustrations to clarify the arrogant dilemma. The words of John Donne (1572-1631) are representative. “No man is an island, entire of itself. Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind.” While the words were penned by Donne, the music was written by Edwin Fissinger.

The meaning is readily apparent. “Human beings do not thrive when isolated from others.” Many religions foster this theme. Particularly Christianity and Buddhism.

I don’t know much about Elizabeth Warren who is running for Senator against Scott Brown of Massachusetts, but recently I heard her castigate Wall Street. This Harvard Law School professor said of them to the affect that millionaires need to pay more to Washington and be grateful. 

 “There is no body in this country who got rich on their own. Nobody. You built a factory. Good for you. You moved your goods on roads paid for by others. You hired others that someone paid to educate. You are safe because of police and firemen.” She goes on and on with the same theme.

Believe it or not, everyone is indebted to someone (ones) else for what we have.

In my 84 years I have known many successful people, by any measurement. Without exception, everyone has had someone who: challenged, pushed, encouraged, helped, guided, motivated, or prayed for them.

The list includes a spouse, parents, family members, teachers, ministers, a friend, an employer and even an occasional acquaintances. To deny this is an overwhelming expression of arrogance

The Apostle Paul, John Donne and Elizabeth Warren were right.

Amen. Selah. So be it.

WORDS TO THINK ABOUT
G. W. Abersold Ph.D