Pride defeats its own end, by bringing the man who seeks esteem and reverence into contempt.

Summary

This quote suggests that excessive pride or arrogance can ultimately backfire on an individual. When someone seeks admiration and respect through a sense of superiority or self-importance, it often leads to others viewing that person with contempt. In this way, pride ends up defeating its intended purpose as it alienates and diminishes the individual rather than earning them the esteem they seek. The quote highlights the ironic nature of pride, warning against the negative consequences of excessive self-praise and emphasizing the importance of humility in maintaining genuine respect and regard from others.

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