Pride

June 13, 2016
Self-improvement enthusiasts will find in this book a new and fascinating suggestion for attaining success. “If you are looking for a way to convince yourself to commit to a diet, or giving up smoking or drinking, pride might get you there,” writes Tracy, a psychology professor and first-time author. Readers will be particularly intrigued when Tracy claims that pride can trump pleasure as a motivating force, stating that many notable achievements and inventions throughout history can be traced back to it. Though the subtitle reminds readers that pride is traditionally regarded as the “deadliest sin,” Tracy suggests it plays a key role in the lives of most successful individuals. The first six of the book’s seven chapters are devoted to an analysis of how pride is expressed in different cultures and a revealing exploration of narcissism. The last chapter, however, is the meat of the book, the part readers will find the most interesting and helpful, in which the author encourages them to use this emotion to their advantage. This book is a must-read for anyone pursuing noteworthy goals, with Tracy aspiring to instill in her readers the message that “you might just need a little pride.”

July 1, 2016

What is pride? Is it the joy of an athlete who has just won an Olympic event, or the boasting of a rich businessman? It's both, says Tracy (psychology & director, Emotion and Self Lab, Univ. of British Columbia, Canada). Pride can motivate people to achieve success or can be twisted into a kind of hubristic quality that seeks power rather than accomplishment. Moreover, the author's research program has established that displays of pride--expanded chest, head held high, clenched fists raised--are recognized by people with minimal exposure to Western culture, meaning that pride should be included in what are called the universal "essential emotions." Donald Trump supporters won't like this book--he's used as a prime example of hubristic, or negative, pride. VERDICT Politics aside, readers who are interested in experimental psychology and enjoy the work of Steven Pinker and Judith Rich Harris will appreciate this title.--Mary Ann Hughes, Shelton, WA

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