Graciousness

The deeper arrogance goes, the less it knows itself. CS Lewis writes about this in some detail in Mere Christianity in his larger discussion of humility and the Great Sin of pride.

If you think you are not conceited, it means you are very conceited, indeed.

Jennifer Rubin has an interesting article on Obama’s Graciousness Deficit. I thought this was his strong suit. Most conservatives in the comments seem to feel that it is just his arrogant nature, and we’ll see more of it as we go. I am less sure. Obama proved adaptable during the campaign, and he is reportedly a smart guy. But mistakes like this right out of the box, when he can afford to look gracious even while he’s putting the screws to people, does not bode well. He comes off looking thin-skinned. He’s the president, not a despot.