The good news is if you invert these vices, you have opposing virtues that can render these demonic impulses harmless to the soul. But let's hone in on pride, because it seems to be the one vice that even takes down the most spiritually committed aspirant. It also seems to be the most challenging to see. It's sometimes difficult to discern if I'm searching for God, or if I'm an ego searching for God. On most days, I probably will admit it falls somewhere in the middle.
The real clincher for me is how Kreeft points out that the introvert can often be more prideful than the extrovert. The extrovert may be more vain, because he/she is concerned with their standing with others and is therefore less focused on the self. But an introvert may be less inclined toward their social status in the world, and have alienated themselves from others. Sadly, “the truly proud person couldn't care less what others think of him.”
As an introvert, it does seem hopeless sometimes. And yet, there is hope.
Humility is the only cure for pride, and “The only way to become humble is to admit you are proud. (Kreeft)”
Kreeft elaborates: “C. S. Lewis encapsulates Augustine's essential point in The Great Divorce: "There are only two kinds of people, in the end: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done' and those to whom God says, in the end, 'thy will be done.' " This is what theologian Karl Rahner calls everyone's "fundamental option", being for or against God, however imperfectly known. God is a gentleman and respects our fundamental choice-eternally. Pride is the greatest sin because it is the living heart of all sins. Every sin says to God, "my will be done".”
So it's a 12-step program compressed into three: admit your pride and that you're helpless in dealing with it on your own, surrender yourself to a higher power, and then realize your life is not about you.
Sounds like a plan that was never my plan.
The Buddhist and the Stoic and the "peace of mind addict" teach detachment for the sake of tranquility or nirvana, but the Christian wants to be unclothed with the world and the goods of the body and the body itself only to be reclothed with Heaven and the resurrection body. — Peter Kreeft