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All Torah sources point to an abhorrence of arrogance: the gemara compares arrogance to avoda zara; hashem says of an arrogant person “There is no room for both of us in this world,” etc.
I am confused, because I recently read an article written by a psychologist in which he explains that arrogance is but the result of a low self-image/low self-esteem, which causes the individual to inflate himself with arrogance. It would seem that A) someone arrogant is actually a “nebech”; B) the correct approach to battling arrogance would be to develop a healthy self-esteem [whereas the rambam advises acting with the extreme end of humility].
And now I must clarify. It sounds like I’m c”v asking which approach is correct: The Torah’s or the psychologist’s.
That is not my intention at all, but rather to understand the Emes, the Torah.I suspect that there are quite a few who might comment here, sharing their wisdom and putting your doubts and questions to rest. Clearly, the “opposing” concepts you listed are not contradictory at all. Instead of my attempting to show you (my arrogance) how to answer your question, I will simply draw your attention to the writings that have enlightened Klal Yisroel for centuries.
I suggest you review the chapters in Mesilas Yeshorim that address the subject. Next (I’m not suggesting any priorities), try the Orchos Tzaddikim. Many other sefrei mussar are precious, to include Chovas Halevavos, Michtav M’Eliyahu, and numerous others. After studying them, revisit the question, and share any of your “contradictions” here.
1.414 … said> which approach is correct: The Torah’s or the psychologist’s.
Rav/Dr Avraham Twersky might be able to answer your questions – he writes about middos and psychology. Try any of his books (he wrote somewhere that he wrote only one book in his life – about low self-esteem, different “books” are simply different ways to express that idea!)
>>>I am confused, because I recently read an article written by a psychologist
Without directly addressing the question, I sure hope you don’t get confused every time you see some article from some psychologist claiming something you didn’t think was the case before. To answer the question in a peripheral way, think of all the people who you believe hurt you in your life. Do you view ALL of them as nebach because plenty of psychologists will tell you that “hurting people hurt other people”?
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