April 15Truth in Arrogance
It takes two to speak the truth,—one to speak, and another to hear. How can one treat with magnanimity mere wood and stone? If we dealt only with the false and dishonest, we should at last forget how to speak truth. Only lovers know the value and magnanimity of truth, while traders prize a cheap honesty, and neighbors and acquaintance a cheap civility.
Henry David Thoreau—A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers (1849)
Being an entrepreneur requires humility, compassion, graciousness, fortitude, sincerity—and a dose of arrogance. Yes, something akin to a belief of superiority and exaggerated self-importance.
Now think about the most obnoxious, narcissistic, arrogant person you know—okay, we aren't talking about that person here.
A healthy touch of arrogance forces you to set the bar higher, and since you know you're right, you're going to find a way to grasp that bar.
A dollop of arrogance is what gives you access to the “the value and magnanimity of truth.”
Just a touch of arrogance pushes you through situations and experiences that might challenge a less secure human being's self-worth.
Arrogance is what allows you to respect what others stand for and accomplish because you possess an abundance of self-worth. (Just use this for good at all times.)
Challenge Question
- What is something you know you are right about?
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