While preparing for his succession, after decades of having led the Mongol empire into one of the most dominant empires of that age, Genghis Khan finally gets around to spending some time educating his children on leadership and on what it takes to run an empire of that size.

His first lesson is to tell his sons about the importance of self-control, and in particular, the ability to tame their pride. 

Throughout his reign, he changes the ways of the steppe tribe into a more meritocratic one by recognising people for their abilities and appointing them to positions and rewarding them lands and riches based on what they accomplish rather than who they are related to, or as he says, "the circumstances of their birth". As he realises he is well into his sixties and starts to realise his own mortality, he intends to set up a succession path where whoever succeeds him is recognised by not just him but everyone else as well as the ruler of the empire. Otherwise, it would simply result in in-fighting once he is no longer around to exert his influence. And since the eldest son is not the de facto successor due to the meritocratic nature of his rule, he tries his best to get them to earn the honour.

Hence, the ability to tame their pride becomes all the more important, as they need to prove themselves despite being the sons of the great Khan. 

We face pride often in our lives. Every time we feel entitled to something, it is pride at play. And this has tripped up many a person.

The ability to tame our pride can be a key weapon in our arsenal.