What is the Problem with Pride?

Note to Attendees: Please consider making a $5 donation to contribute to the running costs of this Meetup.

Pride is usually framed as a virtue. We’re encouraged to be proud of who we are and what we’ve achieved. But across centuries of moral thought, pride has been described very differently — not as strength, but as the root of downfall.

St Augustine put it bluntly: “It was pride that changed angels into devils.” Pride has long been called the chief sin — the one from which many others flow.

So what is the problem with pride? When does confidence become arrogance? When does self-respect turn into self-exaltation? And what does pride do to our judgment, relationships, and leadership when it goes unchecked?

At our next Brisbane meetup, we’ll explore the dangers of pride — not as self-worth, but as an inflated sense of self that resists correction and accountability.

The questions we will address are:

1. Is pride the root of most personal and institutional failure?
2. When does confidence cross the line into arrogance?
3. Does pride make us resistant to truth and correction?
4. Are we rewarding pride while punishing humility?

This event will be held at The Osbourne Hotel in Fortitude Valley.
After the discussion, we’ll stay on for a meal and a drink together — a chance to continue the conversation in a more relaxed setting and support the venue.

PLEASE NOTE:
Please support the venue by purchasing a drink or meal during the event.
This is intended to be a good-natured but robust discussion. Please be respectful and prepared to have your ideas challenged. If you are easily offended, this event may not be for you.