"Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves; vanity, to what we would have others think of us"
- Jane Austen
About this Quote
This quote by Jane Austen is a reminder that vanity and pride are not the very same thing. Pride is an internal sensation of self-respect and accomplishment, while vanity is an external desire to be viewed as essential or appealing by others. Pride is a favorable emotion that can be beneficial to our self-esteem, while vanity can be a negative feeling that can cause a need for approval and validation from others. Pride is something we can feel without needing to be seen by others, while vanity is something that requires the approval of others. Pride is a healthy feeling that can assist us to feel great and secure in ourselves, while vanity can cause sensations of insecurity and a need for consistent recognition.