"A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves"
About this Quote
A proud man often believes his worth and accomplishments entitle him to more than what he currently possesses. He views the world through a lens where his own efforts and abilities justify greater rewards, riches, or recognition. As a result, there forms an inner discontent, a subtle (and sometimes overt) sense that he is perpetually denied his due. No matter what he receives, be it praise, opportunity, material goods, or even simple kindness, he weighs it against an inflated sense of deserving, and almost always finds it lacking.
Gratitude stems from a recognition of the value of what one has, paired with a humble acknowledgment that not all gifts are earned or owed. When one is grateful, there is a profound sense of appreciation, even for the small things, and a realization that many benefits are blessings rather than entitlements. The proud man, consumed by a sense of self-importance, finds it increasingly difficult to experience this feeling. He is standing at the center of his universe, surrounded by underwhelming signs of acknowledgment from the world, his focus fixed on what is missing rather than what has been given.
Such pride, therefore, acts as a barrier to gratitude. It narrows one’s perspective and undermines the generous heart with which to receive even the simple realities of life. The proud man’s expectations are never fully met, since he is always measuring what he has against what he thinks should be his by right. In matters of success, love, friendship, or even daily comforts, he misses out on the joy that gratitude brings. Humility, by contrast, opens a person to thankfulness, because it sees every good meant not as a mere fulfillment of entitlement, but as an occasion for appreciation. Thus, pride breeds perpetual dissatisfaction, while humility sows the seeds for true gratitude.
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