PY, “arrogance” and “putting down others” are shnei dinim. The Nefesh Hachaim (the hosafos between shaar 3 and 4) allow learning for kavod at times, but not for kintur (ie, putting down others). But all agree that Torah is the most important thing. Torah to pu down others is a form of mitzvah haba’ah be’aveira.
the Torah is a version of Hashem’s name. furthermore, every letter corresponds to the shoresh neshama of someone, which is why it’s a mitzvah to see the writing by hagbah.