At the core of his being, the human is a creature built for relationships, coexistence, and sensitivity. He is not perfect, but he is called to strive for inner growth, character development, and the cultivation of virtues such as compassion, gratitude, and humility. Yet in today’s world, we often see arrogance and selfishness flourish—two vices that not only distance people from one another but also erode the soul from within.
Arrogance arises when a person sees themselves as superior to others, when they begin to believe they are more valuable, more knowledgeable, or more important than everyone else. At first, it may appear as self-confidence, but at its core, it is a feeling nourished by insecurity and a need for dominance. The arrogant person does not admit mistakes, does not forgive easily, and sees weakness as shameful. They shut themselves in a world where only they are right, and every criticism is perceived as a personal attack.
On the other hand, selfishness is arrogance’s close sibling. It pushes a person to think only of their own interests, to always place themselves at the center of everything, leaving no room for compassion or sacrifice. The selfish person cannot grasp pure love, sincere friendship, or another’s pain, because everything is measured in terms of personal gain.
Both of these vices lead a person toward emotional and spiritual ruin. Why? Because when one lives only for oneself, denying the need for empathy, humility, and genuine connection, the soul is left empty. On the outside, they may appear strong, but inside, they are alone. And that silent loneliness is the greatest punishment for someone who has chosen self over others.
In life, everything is temporary: beauty, wealth, status. What remains is how we treated others and how we nurtured our soul. Only through simplicity, respect, and sensitivity can one live a full and stable life, far from the ruin brought by arrogance and selfishness.
