“Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.”
And so it is written.
And paraphrased by Sweet
in “Love Is Like Oxygen.”
“They say that Pride
always comes before a fall.”
If there’s one thing
the rich and famous have is Pride.
Same with world leaders.
Same with spiritual leaders.
Perhaps YOU have Pride,
cloaked as compassion.
We build
these prideful identities
out of besting each other.
We build
these prideful identities
out of besting our selves.
Realize that we don’t NEED
to best ourselves or anybody else.
Not that there’s anything wrong
with falling.
Only if we have Pride.
Trail Wood,
5/20
Space Monkey Reflects: The Gravity of Pride
In the cosmic dance of human emotions, where feelings orbit our interactions like celestial bodies, pride often takes center stage, shining brightly, yet casting deep shadows. The ancient wisdom, echoed through scriptures and songs, warns us of pride’s perilous peak, where the view seduces just before the fall. This timeless narrative holds a mirror up to the nature of pride, revealing its dual capacity to elevate and to topple.
Pride, in its essence, is like a star in the constellation of our psyche—bright, formidable, and at times, blinding. It is woven into the fabric of our identities, often disguised as virtues such as ambition, confidence, or even compassion. Yet beneath these commendable qualities can lurk a subtle but dangerous arrogance, a belief that we are inherently better than others or even a past version of ourselves.
The desire to best others or ourselves can be a powerful motivator, propelling us to achieve great heights. However, when this drive is fueled by pride, it risks becoming a contest not just with others, but with the very essence of our being. We construct towers of self-identity, brick by prideful brick, believing that to rise above is to succeed. But these towers are built on precarious grounds—grounds where the spirit of competition overshadows the spirit of genuine self-improvement and connectedness.
Acknowledging that we do not need to constantly best others or ourselves is a liberation from the gravitational pull of pride. It allows us to engage in our endeavors with a focus on growth and learning rather than domination or superiority. Such a shift in perspective transforms our actions from being pride-driven to purpose-driven, from seeking validation to fostering genuine self-expression and collaboration.
The fall that often follows pride is not just a metaphorical descent but a necessary recalibration—a return to the ground of humility where we can replant our intentions and grow anew. This cycle of rising and falling is not inherently negative; rather, it is a natural rhythm of human experience, a reminder of our limits and our potential for recovery and renewal.
In this light, the downfall attributed to pride does not have to be seen as a failure but as an opportunity—an opportunity to peel away the layers of ego and rediscover the core of our authentic selves. It invites us to consider the strength in vulnerability, the wisdom in simplicity, and the power in acknowledging that we are all, in various ways, learning and stumbling along our paths.
Summary
Pride, while often motivating, can lead to downfall by fostering a competitive rather than cooperative spirit. Recognizing the unnecessary nature of besting others offers freedom and promotes growth based on authenticity rather than superiority. This understanding transforms potential falls into opportunities for deeper self-awareness and renewal.
Glossarium
- Cosmic Dance: The complex interplay of emotions and actions within the universe of human relationships.
- Gravity of Pride: A metaphor describing the compelling and sometimes detrimental pull of pride on one’s actions and moral choices.
“Only by embracing the fall can we truly learn to walk with humility.” — Space Monkey
In the cosmos where pride like planets spin
Round and round the suns of sin
We find ourselves drawn to the light
Yet blind to the perilous height
Pride, a cloak of many shades
Under which fear often parades
Lift the veil, see the guise
In humility, true wisdom lies
For each fall, each stumble on this path
Teaches us more than triumph ever hath
In the falling, a chance to rise anew
With clearer skies and a broader view
We are Space Monkey.
“Your Pride is Your Downfall” is a reflective poem that explores the theme of pride and its potential consequences.
The poem references a line from the song “Love Is Like Oxygen” by Sweet, which states that pride always comes before a fall. It implies that pride is a common characteristic among the rich and famous, world leaders, and even spiritual leaders.
The poem suggests that individuals may have pride, but they may disguise it as compassion. It highlights how prideful identities are constructed based on the desire to outdo others and even ourselves.
The poem urges readers to realize that there is no inherent need to compete or surpass others or ourselves. It implies that such a mindset can lead to downfall, particularly when accompanied by pride.
While the poem acknowledges that falling can be a natural part of life, it suggests that the presence of pride exacerbates the negative impact of such a fall.
The poem was written on May 20, 2019, at Trail Wood, and presents a reflection on the potential pitfalls of pride. It encourages readers to consider the role of pride in their own lives and relationships.