Pride has a bad name, but Innocent keeps a working version of it: “You know what you are worth by seeking self-knowledge, and you protect that knowledge with pride.”

He tested it in a position of power, surrounded by temptations to abuse it. What held him back wasn’t fear of being caught — it was pride. He knew what he was worth, and knew that abusing the power would make him think less of himself. The price was too high.

That’s the useful kind: pride as the guard on your self-worth, giving you strength to refuse whatever would reduce it. It doesn’t puff you up over others; it just won’t let you shrink yourself.