They're both true of course - being too proud is just setting yourself up to be knocked down, but if you don't take pride in your appearance, in doing your job well, in being a good and honest person, you'll never get anywhere or make anything of yourself.

Ianto did everything right at first - he learned, he dressed well, he worked hard and life was good. But when it was all ripped away in the Battle of Canary Wharf, he tried to cling to what remained of his perfect life, refused to accept that there was nothing he could do, and it all blew up in his face. I still find that admirable, that he would do whatever he could to save the one he loved. Ultimately it was hopeless, but I can't fault him for trying.