Pride is considered the original and most serious of the seven deadly sins, and indeed the ultimate source from which the others arise. It is identified as a desire to be more important or attractive than others, failing to give compliments to others though they may be deserving of them, and excessive love of self (especially holding self out of proper position toward God). Dante's definition was "love of self perverted to hatred and contempt for one's neighbor." In perhaps the most famous example, the story of Lucifer, Pride was what caused his fall from Heaven, and his resultant transformation into Satan. Vanity and Narcissism are prime examples of this Sin. In the Divine Comedy, the penitent were forced to walk with stone slabs bearing down on their backs in order to induce feelings of humility.

 Oh, stop preening! You are most guilty of the sin of pride. You are extremely self-assured and egotistical, having excessive faith in your own abilities. As punishment for your arrogance, you will be broken on the wheel in hell. (Ouch!) If you wish to redeem yourself, try the heavenly virtue of humility. Pride, in Latin Superbia, is represented by the horse and color purple.

Charm from Delhi
Jeremy Lucas at first is admired for his skillful manipulation of the corporate arena and the benefits of a lover and a submissive wife.  It seems that he has everything a man could want.  His pride appears unstoppable.  And he especially believes that after he finds a good luck charm in a tree stump during a snow storm in the woods. 

The book and the sin . . .
But then he blows it and, in the process of fulfilling his latest fantasy, he kills his new lover.  Then he goes to trial for the death.  Will he be found guilty? He is just arrogant enough that we believe his pride will actually fuel his omnipotence once again.  But, while he is in jail awaiting trial, his wife has that charm translated and discovers its history and that the universe will ultimately have its way with Jeremy!  Pride may not fuel him once again!

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