In the context of Buddhism, the Twelve Nidanas of dependent origination illustrate how all phenomena are interdependent, leading to a cycle of suffering or samsara. These Twelve Links can be applied to the arising and perpetuation of excessive pride, which can be a damaging characteristic both to oneself and to others.

The first link, ignorance or avijja, represents a lack of understanding of the true nature of reality, including the interdependent and impermanent nature of all phenomena. In the case of excessive pride, ignorance may manifest as a false belief in ones inherent superiority or the importance of maintaining a positive self-image.

Based on this ignorance, the second link represents the mental formations or volitional actions that arise from habitual patterns of thinking and behavior. For a person with excessive pride, this might involve seeking validation and recognition from others in order to bolster their sense of self-importance.

The third link refers to the consciousness or awareness of the external world and self, which is conditioned by the underlying mental formations. In the case of excessive pride, this might involve a heightened awareness of situations that could serve to enhance ones self-image or sense of superiority.

The fourth link represents the complex psychophysical constituents that make up a sentient being. For a person with excessive pride, this might involve a preoccupation with maintaining a physically and socially impressive appearance.

The fifth link refers to the six sense bases or channels through which a person interacts with the external world - sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and mental cognition. In the case of excessive pride, these sense bases may be used to selectively perceive situations and stimuli that reinforce ones sense of self-importance.

The sixth link represents the interaction between the sense bases and the external world. In the case of excessive pride, this might involve seeking out situations or stimuli that could be used to further enhance ones self-image or sense of superiority.

The seventh link refers to the pleasant or unpleasant feelings that arise from contact with external stimuli. In the case of excessive pride, this might involve experiencing a pleasant feeling of validation when receiving praise or recognition from others.

The eighth link represents the craving or attachment to the pleasant feeling of validation and continued enhancement of ones self-image. In the case of excessive pride, this might involve continuing to seek out situations and people that could reinforce ones sense of superiority.

The ninth link refers to the intensified attachment and clinging to the object of craving, which may further reinforce negative patterns of thinking and behavior. In the case of excessive pride, this might involve feeling a strong need to maintain ones sense of superiority and an inability to tolerate any situation that threatens it.

The tenth link represents the karmic process of becoming that results from clinging, leading to the formation of a new existence. For a person with excessive pride, this might mean further solidifying a sense of self-importance and reinforcing patterns of thinking and behavior that perpetuate the cycle of excessive pride.

The eleventh link refers to the actual birth or coming into existence of a new being. In the case of excessive pride, this could mean manifesting in actions, behaviors, and attitudes that further reinforce ones sense of superiority.

The twelfth link represents the aging and eventual death of the being, leading to further rebirth and continued suffering. In the case of excessive pride, this could mean experiencing consequences such as losing relationships, missing opportunities, and even early brain decline related to an inflated self-perception.

Breaking the cycle of excessive pride requires recognition and investigation of the delusional belief in ones inherent superiority or the importance of maintaining a positive self-image. By cultivating positive mental states, letting go of attachment to identity-related concepts, and developing equanimity, one can break the cycle of excessive pride and cultivate inner well-being and happiness.