ABSTRACT
Pride and humility have their roles to play in Western society. Historically pride was an indication of how a real leader can be recognized; today, humility is seen as key. For leaders, the risk of blindly falling into pride is isolation, ruin, and torment. They will have no rest, but feel permanently driven to win over others and prove themselves superior. They will be aggressive without noticing themselves and will lose the trust of other. This chapter sets out the way in which Dante teaches us that pride is a burden. It delves into the tale of Narcissus and Echo and the message this holds for modern leaders. Leadership and submission may seem like a paradoxical pair. Yet attaching to a leader who radiates a felt sense of self-worth is not difficult – it feels natural, good, and safe. Their natural inclination to loyalty is directed to a higher cause, one for which they may fight courageously and compassionately. Free submission emanates from and generates true leadership.
