Arrogance

Main Entry: ar·ro·gance
Pronunciation: 'ar-&-g&n(t)s
Function: noun
: a feeling or an impression of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or presumptuous claims

Main Entry: over·bear
Pronunciation: "O-v&r-'bar, -'ber
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): over·bore /-'bOr, -'bor/; over·borne /-'bOrn, -'born/; also over·born /-'born/; -bear·ing
1 : to bring down by superior weight or force : OVERWHELM
2 a : to domineer over b : to surpass in importance or cogency : OUTWEIGH

Main Entry: ego
Pronunciation: 'E-(")gO also 'e-
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural egos
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, I -- more at I
1 : the self especially as contrasted with another self or the world
2 a : EGOTISM 2 b : SELF-ESTEEM 1
3 : the one of the three divisions of the psyche in psychoanalytic theory that serves as the organized conscious mediator between the person and reality especially by functioning both in the perception of and adaptation to reality -- compare ID, SUPEREGO
- ego·less adjective

 

Ok now with that out of the way let's speak about arrogance and ego. Of course I admit that this subject is near and dear to Me. But do read on and see where this leads. I pasted the definitions above directly from good ol' Mirriam Webster Dictionary, future referances to Mirriam Webster will be noted with (MW). This was done to set the groudwork or basic terms I am discussing.

 

Arrogance it says is born of a feeling or impression of superiority. One such aspect of superior (MW) is "of higher rank, quality, or importance". Well on this basis yes I am superior. I am of a higher rank than a slave or submissive. That is simply the heirarchy of BDSM. Higher quality? Well even I would argue this point. Quality does not come with rank. Just because anyone is of a higher rank does not make them a better person in My world. (Just look at all the fuss over the highest ranking official in the US, President Bush, lol). Higher importance? This part may be a bit more difficult to stomach for some. but My answer is Yes. Are slaves not there to serve their Master? To put Master first? This does not mean slaves are not important at all. Certainly their thoughts and ideas have a measure of importance. To think otherwise is to deny the human nature. Perhaps more on that later. So therefore according to MW it seems that a Master has a right to be superior. It is part of the Power Exchange between Master and slave. But the term arrogance says that being superior is manifested (takes form/shape) via being overbearing or presumptuous. These are the negative aspects that Masters should strive NOT to be. I do not wish to be overbearing. That breeds resentment and contempt within the slave.

 

Presumptuous.....pretending to be better than One really is.........Let's examine this further. I happen to have won 8 medals in whip competitions. It is simply a fact and a testament that at those given moments I was "better" than everyone else. Humility keeps Me grounded. Some of the people I competed against are FAR BETTER than I ever hope to be. They have skills I doubt I will ever match let alone even come close to. To think I was better than they would be MOST presumptious and arrogant on My part. I know My place. If I were arrogant I would wave those medals around and brag about it, I would tell you that "I am the greatest" to quote Ali. But alas no I am not the greatest. I am only good. That is what those medals mean to Me.

My answer is yes. I encourage that in My slaves as well. I want them to be good, the best slaves possible, I also want them to be good people.

I am good, no doubt about it. I have various medals and trophies from years past, in whips, rope work, darts, baseball (I think) and a few other ones. I have been told I am good at flogging and other such BDSM play. I have presented seminars where I have been told that I am good. I beleive it. Why shouldn't I? As people are W/we not to strive to be the best? From the time W/we are children on the playground playing kickball or some such? In school aren't W/we told to do the best W/we can and strive to be better? To take pride in our work?

 

I do not think I am better than I really am. I know there are a great many whip handles out there far better than I am, many who can do rope bondage better than I. So on and so forth. I give them their dues and acknowledge them as My betters. In fact to this day I have many people ask Me to show them floritine (doubles) flogging. I always seem to relay the story of how I learned and the Master that taught Me. In fact it is His technique that I show and give Him credit for showing Me a full 2 yrs or so after the fact. Humility.

 

I look at Myself constantly. Self reflection. I try hard not to be arrogant, egotistical, overbearing and such things. I have accomplished a few good things in My time. I hope to accomplish a great many more. It is what W/we as humans are supposed to strive for. It is what I as a Master must do. I train others to strive to make themselves better. To NOT have low self esteem. To have confidence. To know themselves. To be the best they can be. I honestly hope that those I have helped and trained through the years have succeeded to become at least good people who do good things.

I am not the best, I am just good. I urge you to be better than Me. If you succeed you will most likely find Me there to congratulate with honesty, humility and sincerity.

Prophett,
Lord, The House of Darkwatch