Chapter 21
When Pride Meets Reality
What Had Happened at Home When Mr Tulliver first knew the fact that the lawsuit was decided against him, and that Pivart and Wakem were triumphant, every one who happened to observe him at the time thought that, for so confident and hot-tempered a man, he bore the blow remarkably well. He thought so himself; he thought he was going to show that if Wakem or anybody else considered him crushed, they would find themselves mistaken. He could not refuse to see that the costs of this protracted suit would take more than he possessed to pay them; but he…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Pride Reality Check
Think of an area in your life where your pride might be making it hard to see the truth clearly. Write down three facts about this situation that you don't want to admit, then imagine you're advising your best friend facing the exact same circumstances. What would you tell them to do?
Consider:
- •Notice the difference between how you talk to yourself versus how you'd talk to someone you care about
- •Pay attention to any physical tension or resistance when writing down the uncomfortable facts
- •Consider what small step you could take today that acknowledges reality without requiring a complete identity shift
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when admitting you were wrong or accepting a limitation actually made you stronger. What did that experience teach you about the difference between pride and self-respect?
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