The words ego and pride are so close in meaning and so interrelated that sometimes it becomes difficult to differentiate between them. If you ask a person the difference between these two concepts, he will in all probability draw a blank, which is why this article will highlight the subtle differences between ego and pride.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Ego
3. What is Pride
4. Side by Side Comparison – Ego vs Pride
5. Summary
What is Ego?
Some people think of ego as self-respect. Though it is true in some cases, it can often lead to arrogance unconsciously. Ego is a feeling of being superior to others. It originates in the mind and has often no relation with reality. Ego in simple terms can be referred to as I, ME, and Myself. A person who keeps thinking about himself all the time has a larger ego than a person who is concerned about others.
Figure 01: Ego can be referred to as I, ME, and Myself
Ego acts as a hurdle when one tries to develop a positive relationship with another person. It also stops one from saying sorry to another person as ego gets hurt in the process. Ego is self-intoxicating and you provide it nourishment every time you think of yourself as superior to others. A bloated or super-sized ego is harmful to a person as he can never adjust with others since he thinks about his superiority all the time. Ego is, therefore, an unhealthy pride that leads to arrogance. Ego gives one a swollen head, which always causes problems.
What is Pride?
Pride is a feeling of satisfaction arising from what one has done or achieved. It is a sense of accomplishment that is healthy and good for a person and motivates him to be doing better all the time. A person who takes pride in the quality of his work is never satisfied with a below-par performance and strives to do well all the time.
Figure 02: Pride, unlike ego, is a feeling of pleasure and joy.
Pride, unlike ego, is a feeling of pleasure and joy. It is a sense of accomplishment that tends to bring humility in a person. You must have noticed how humble those who achieve everything in their field become. Pride gives a swollen heart, unlike ego, which gives a swollen head. A big heart gives nothing but humility. While ego is self-admiration, pride is self-satisfaction.
What is the Difference Between Ego and Pride?
Ego vs Pride |
|
| Ego is a person’s sense of self-importance, which can be also interpreted as unhealthy pride. | Pride is a feeling of satisfaction arising from what one has done or achieved. |
| Origin | |
| Ego is born in mind. | Pride is born in the heart. |
| Self-Admiration vs Self-Satisfaction | |
| Ego is self-admiration. | Pride is self-satisfaction. |
| Associated Qualities | |
| Ego leads to arrogance. | Pride leads to humility. |
Summary – Ego vs Pride
There is a subtle difference between ego and pride even though these two are often used interchangeably. Ego is a type of self-admiration where a person thinks about himself all the time. Pride, on the other hand, can be equivalent to self-respect or self-satisfaction.
Image Courtesy:
1. “I’m Proud of You Folks Too” – NARA – 514609″ By Whitcomb, Jon, 1906-1988, Artist (NARA record: 4870564) – U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia