Life and the Power of Arrogance
By Oluwole Solanke (PhD, FCIB)
Arrogance is a strange force. It can build empires — and destroy them. It can inspire confidence — and invite downfall. In life’s long theatre, arrogance often walks on stage disguised as self-assurance, but the script usually ends with a twist: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).
Arrogance is not mere confidence. Confidence says, “I can do it”; arrogance says, “Only I can do it.” While confidence inspires and empowers, arrogance isolates and blinds. History is littered with examples of great men and women whose rise was fueled by talent, but whose fall was hastened by pride.
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” – Abraham Lincoln
The danger of arrogance is its ability to distort reality. It convinces leaders that they are untouchable, spouses that they are always right, and professionals that they have nothing left to learn. The moment we stop listening, we stop growing. Life, however, has a way of humbling us.
In our personal lives, arrogance can poison relationships. It shuts the door to reconciliation because it refuses to admit fault. It turns friends into strangers and opportunities into regrets. The wise know that humility is not weakness; it is strength under control.
“The higher we are placed, the more humbly we should walk.” – Cicero
Yet, arrogance does have a certain “power” — it can make a person appear bold and decisive. It can drive ambition in competitive environments. But without wisdom, this power is a fire that burns everything in its path, including the one who lit it. The true mastery of life is not in suppressing ambition, but in tempering it with humility.
Life rewards those who are teachable. Every experience, every conversation, every success, and every failure is a lesson. Those who embrace humility remain students of life, while those blinded by arrogance think they have graduated — only to discover they were never in the right class.
As we navigate our journeys, we must remember: success should make us grateful, not arrogant; mistakes should make us wiser, not defensive. The real power lies in the ability to lead, love, and live without the chains of conceit.
“ True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” – C.S. Lewis
In the end, arrogance is a choice — and so is humility. One builds bridges; the other burns them. Life gives us the matchbox, but we decide whether to light a candle or start a fire.
