KEEP THE OLD WARM

‘I have done that,’ says my memory. ‘I cannot have done that’ – says my pride, and remains adamant. At last – memory yields. – Friedrich Nietzsche Beyond Good and Evil – Part Four Maxims and Interludes 68

When we make mistakes in life, this occurs. Our memory rises and wants to admit fault and show humility, yet our pride by nature cannot stomach such a feeling and resists.

It is natural and we all do it. It is not always wrong to be prideful and resist admitting fault, but most of the time we shoot ourselves in the foot.

Holding onto pride is proudly standing in quick sand, defiant to showing any vulnerability and humility and sinking down under with our chin held high and nose upturned.

While we develop the capacity for pride as a child to be able to operate in a chaotic and conflicting world, is is an adult skill to develop the opposite capacity to resist our own pride and yield to memory.

If you know you’ve done wrong, it is better to admit it in the long run, for your memory will always catch up with you.

Imagine a world where we take accountability for our mistakes and show humility. We will not grow ashamed of ourselves, and much pain and resentment would be avoided and relationships maintained and or strengthened with others.

Beware an overwhelming pride. Consider your memory.