When Richards states that "a man with a choice between pride and responsibility will almost always choose pride if responsibility robs him of his manhood," he is highlighting the internal struggle individuals face when making decisions that involve sacrificing one's pride for fulfilling responsibilities.
Here's a breakdown to explain this quote:
1. **Pride vs. Responsibility**: The quote suggests that when faced with a decision between acting out of pride or fulfilling a responsibility, many individuals tend to prioritize their pride over their responsibilities.
2. **Importance of Manhood**: Richards emphasizes that for many individuals, their sense of manhood or self-worth is closely tied to their pride. If a responsibility threatens to undermine their pride or sense of self, they may choose to prioritize their pride to protect their perceived masculinity or self-respect.
3. **Internal Conflict**: The quote underscores the conflict individuals may experience when they feel that fulfilling a responsibility would compromise their sense of pride, dignity, or identity. In such cases, the choice between pride and responsibility becomes a significant internal struggle.
4. **Decision-Making**: This quote suggests that individuals are more likely to choose pride over responsibility if they believe that fulfilling their responsibilities would diminish their self-worth or masculinity.
In essence, Richards is pointing out the complexities of human decision-making when faced with the dilemma of choosing between pride and responsibility, particularly when one's sense of manhood or self-respect is at stake.
