Hidden Brain Podcast Summary: Emotions 2.0 – The Feeling that Moves Us Forward

Episode Title: Emotions 2.0: The Feeling that Moves Us Forward
Host: Shankar Vedantam
Guest: Jessica Tracy, Psychologist at the University of British Columbia
Release Date: October 28, 2024

Introduction: The Dual Nature of Pride

In the October 28, 2024 episode of Hidden Brain, host Shankar Vedantam delves into the complex emotion of pride with psychologist Jessica Tracy. The conversation explores how pride can be both a powerful motivator and a potential downfall, challenging the age-old admonition that "pride goes before a fall."

Authentic vs. Hubristic Pride

Authentic Pride:
Authentic pride arises from genuine accomplishments and hard work aligned with one’s personal values and identity. It fosters a sense of self-worth and motivates individuals to strive for future goals.

• Jessica Tracy defines it as:

  "Pride that we feel when we've worked really hard for something that's important to us, meaning important to our identity, how we see ourselves."
  (Timestamp: 17:53)

Hubristic Pride:
In contrast, hubristic pride is characterized by arrogance and an inflated sense of self-importance. It often leads to dismissive or aggressive behaviors towards others.

• Tracy describes it as:

  "A sense of arrogance... the feeling that I'm better than you."
  (Timestamp: 24:46)

The Story of Dean Karnassis: A Case of Authentic Pride

The episode recounts the transformative journey of Dean Karnassis, a successful business professional who felt an inner void despite his outward success. On his 30th birthday, after a night of unexpected flirtation, Dean embarked on a grueling 30-mile midnight run, rekindling his passion for running after a decade-long hiatus.

• Quote from Dean's Experience:

  "I feel more myself and more alive than I have in years."
  (Timestamp: 08:34)

This epiphany led him to leave his corporate career and become an ultramarathon runner, exemplifying authentic pride. His dedication not only led to personal achievements but also inspired others, culminating in his book Ultra Marathon Man and recognition by Time magazine.

Historical Perspectives on Pride

Philosophers and theologians have long cautioned against pride, viewing it as a detrimental emotion. From Dante Alighieri’s depiction of pride as the deadliest sin to Buddhist teachings identifying it as a fetter leading to suffering, pride’s negative connotations are deeply ingrained.

• John Ruskin’s View:

  "Pride was at the bottom of all great mistakes."
  (Timestamp: 16:18)

However, Tracy argues that this historical perspective is overly simplistic, failing to distinguish between the constructive and destructive forms of pride.

Research Insights: The Impact of Pride

Nonverbal Expressions of Pride:
Tracy discusses how authentic pride is often expressed through positive body language—head tilts, smiles, and expanded posture—which naturally elevates an individual's perceived social status.

• Tracy on Job Interviews:

  "When you show a pride expression during an interview, you are more likely to be seen as high status, and you're generally more likely to be hired as well."
  (Timestamp: 23:20)

Personality Traits:
Individuals inclined towards authentic pride tend to exhibit positive personality traits such as agreeableness, conscientiousness, and empathy. Conversely, those prone to hubristic pride often display disagreeable and selfish characteristics.

• Tracy’s Observation:

  "People who tend to feel hubristic pride show none of those traits. They are disagreeable, often unconscientious, and lack empathy."
  (Timestamp: 28:20)

Behavioral Outcomes:
Experiments reveal that hubristic pride can lead to prejudiced attitudes, reduced empathy, and unethical behaviors like cheating to maintain status.

• Example Study on Cheating:

  "People who are high in hubristic pride... lie about their scores because they're so concerned about status and how they look to others."
  (Timestamp: 31:09)

Real-World Examples of Pride’s Duality

James Cameron at the Oscars:
Tracy analyzes James Cameron’s acceptance speech where he claims, "I'm the king of the world," as an instance of hubristic pride. While Cameron attributes it to referencing his film Titanic, the statement exemplifies how pride can be perceived as arrogance.

• Cameron’s Quote:

  "I can't express what I'm feeling right now... I'm the king of the world."
  (Timestamp: 44:03)

Lance Armstrong:
Armstrong's journey from a celebrated cyclist to a disgraced figure exemplifies the peril of hubristic pride. Initially driven by authentic pride in overcoming cancer and excelling in cycling, his subsequent doping scandal revealed a shift towards seeking external validation and maintaining a superior image.

• Tracy on Armstrong:

  "When the fame and fortune and praise that he got from others became more important to him than his own feeling of, I'm doing this thing that's so important to me..."
  (Timestamp: 51:14)

Harnessing Authentic Pride

Tracy emphasizes the importance of channeling pride in ways that bolster personal growth without undermining social relationships. Focusing pride on non-competitive, personal domains—like her own skill in parallel parking—allows individuals to enjoy the positive aspects of pride without eliciting envy or resentment from others.

• Tracy’s Example:

  "I feel really good about it... it's a safe domain to feel hubristic pride."
  (Timestamp: 48:20)

Balancing Pride:
She advises a mindful approach to expressing pride, tailoring it to cultural and contextual norms to avoid crossing into hubristic territory.

• Cultural Sensitivity:

  "You need to be really attuned to the context you're in when you express pride."
  (Timestamp: 40:53)

Personal Anecdotes: Transforming Shame into Authentic Pride

Tracy shares a personal story about apologizing to her daughter after an emotionally challenging incident. By addressing her mistake openly and seeking forgiveness, she transformed a moment of shame into authentic pride in her parenting approach.

• Tracy’s Reflection:

  "That moment... makes me feel authentic pride in my parenting ability."
  (Timestamp: 39:41)

This example illustrates how embracing authentic pride can foster healthier relationships and personal integrity.

Cultural Context and Norms

The expression of pride varies significantly across cultures. For instance, while American culture may celebrate open displays of achievement, Canadian norms emphasize humility. Even more restrictive are societies like the Kalahari Bushmen, where boasting is socially unacceptable and success is subtly communicated.

• Kalahari Bushmen Story:

  "After a big hunt, the hunter would sit alone and wait for someone to approach him, prompting an indirect acknowledgment of his success."
  (Timestamp: 42:39)

These cultural differences highlight the necessity of understanding and respecting societal norms when expressing pride.

Conclusion: Embracing the Positive Power of Pride

Hidden Brain's exploration with Jessica Tracy reveals that pride is not a monolithic emotion but a nuanced interplay of authentic and hubristic elements. By fostering authentic pride—rooted in personal achievement and self-improvement—individuals can harness pride's motivational power without succumbing to its potential pitfalls. Recognizing and cultivating authentic pride can lead to greater personal fulfillment and healthier social interactions.

Notable Quotes

• Authentic Pride:

  "I feel accomplished, I feel productive, I feel a sense of self-worth."
  (Timestamp: 17:53)

• Hubristic Pride:

  "It's a sense of arrogance... I'm better than you."
  (Timestamp: 24:46)

• James Cameron’s Acceptance Speech:

  "I'm the king of the world."
  (Timestamp: 44:03)

• Lance Armstrong’s Fall:

  "He continued working his butt off cycling... until he had to cheat to maintain his status."
  (Timestamp: 48:20)

Final Thoughts

This episode underscores the intricate balance between self-esteem and social perception. By distinguishing between authentic and hubristic pride, listeners are encouraged to pursue meaningful achievements that align with their true selves, fostering both personal growth and positive societal contributions.