The political focus on "restoring pride in place" in left-behind areas has increased recently, yet the precise connection between these concepts remains ambiguous. This paper examines existing literature on "left-behind places" and explores various dimensions including economic, social, political, and moral aspects. It also delves into the definitions of pride in place, highlighting its grassroots nature and its reliance on local agency. The paper argues that pride in place cannot be imposed from external interventions but is endogenously grown within communities. It suggests that the core relationship between both pride in place and left-behind areas lies in the moral realm: left-behind areas are embodied communities have less pride due to a lack of local agency and capacity to autonomously improve their area. Therefore, while government-funded initiatives may address certain aspects of pride in place (e.g. regenerating high streets), the most effective method to restore of pride in left-behind places requires empowering communities through bottom-up approaches and direct devolution of power.