At Wabash College, brotherhood is our North Star. It’s the ideal we invoke at chapel talks, fraternities, and across campus. But this bond, which we rightly cherish, is threatened by its nemesis: pride. Yes, it is unfeasible to let go of our own ideas and believe that we are erroneous. It is easier to fall short individually than succeed through a brother’s aid. But that doesn’t discount pride as a poison; humility is the greatest virtue a Wabash man can exude.
Self-centeredness is a corrosive force on campus. As a freshman, I have witnessed Wabash with observant and unbiased eyes and conversed with far too many undergraduates who discussed their abilities and achievements in an arrogant manner. In truth, I have found that remarkable, accomplished, and brilliant students are also the least self-centered and prideful people, while those who boast struggle to live up to their self-image. I am all for confidence, and have wrestled with pride like everyone else, but when an individual operates from a place of ego, they fundamentally position themselves outside the circle of brotherhood, competing against their peers instead of striving with them. This behavior makes genuine connection impossible and leads to a lack of vulnerability-the glue to a resilient bond. On a collegiate level, we should be prideful that we are a part of the Wabash community, and not see ourselves as above it. School pride is necessary, yet an overwhelming amount of independent pride fractures the moment “me” is sacrificed for “we.”
Wabash students are forced into an environment that requires excellence; our school is designed to develop ambitious and successful men. Students are consistently pushed to excel, supported by our legendary alumni network and institutional aid. But the high-achieving environment we have is an incubator for pride. It is both a blessing and a curse that our students are easily hyped up by the college as it blurs the line between amour propre and arrogance. It is arduous to understand the contrast of pride and confidence or stubbornness and conviction, and we see it when a classroom discussion transcends a fruitful debate and becomes a battle of ego. Furthermore, humility allows an attitude of growth. When students admit they do not understand a concept and raise their hand for clarification, they are humbly accepting their inability while learning productively. We should pursue excellence yet avoid a sense of superiority. Rather, we should fully apply ourselves, accept that our talents, while admirable, are limited, and not let our efforts rot into an egotism that destroys the brotherhood we value.
It is no secret that Wabash hones future leaders. A prideful leader demands, while a humble leader listens, and people who take into account what others have to say are generally effective. But beyond leadership, a brotherhood built on humility is one where men can be vulnerable and admit their shortcomings. It makes the general student body more approachable and less exclusive as pride forces a front that shuns potential friends away. Often, especially as men, we see humility as weakness. We may think it is a timid behavior and ruins one’s respectability. Although we do not want to be perceived as weak, a humble attitude is essential. In reality, it is a true sign of strength and security. “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less”-C.S. Lewis. In other words, humility is more about praising the strengths of others than focusing on our own triumphs. Being a modest individual not only makes you more amiable; it may be the key to unlocking the Wabash community and alumni network.
We need to do better-for ourselves and our brotherhood. We must actively listen to what others have to say and commend our brothers for the valuable perspectives they provide. We must reflect on our own shortcomings, extol the fortitude of our brothers, accept when we fall short, and remain open to development.
Egotism is detrimental to the students of Wabash. Brotherhood is an active choice, not a passive inheritance; pride builds walls between men, while humility builds bridges. If we want to live up to the ideal of a “Wabash man,” we must have the discipline to check our own ego, recognizing that our community’s strength and our beloved brotherhood depend on it.