Pride vs. Vanity

In this case, it is not difficult to know that vanity cannot have any positive connotation. Of course, it is very close in the meaning, but both states of mind are separated by a very specific difference that makes vanity unbearable.

If we go back to the definition of pride, it can have both positive and negative connotation. Religion sees pride as a sin, because it is considered as being the sin that converted a cherub of God into Satan (or Lucifer). It is also one of the very first sin represented in the Genesis, while describing Eve eating the forbidden fruit. When an emotion, pride is not necessarily very positive either. According to Augustine, pride is the love of one’s own excellence. And the very common trait that pride shows is the presence of negative thoughts about other people, and it also generates destructive comments about them.

Whereas, pride, with a philosopher point of view, is very positive. For instance, according to Nietzsche, without pride, people will remain subservient. This sounds very true. Being humble is a wonderful quality, but thinking that we cannot do better in our life, and being satisfied with what we have doesn’t take you anywhere further. In this case, pride is becoming a quality, as long as not associated with hate towards other people. When you think about yourself with pride, it gives you more power and it enhances your greatness.

However, vanity is definitely associated to a negative state of mind. The main trait of a vain is the desire of fame or the desire to be a leader. Excessive pride or admiration of one’s own appearance or achievements is recognizable by the dress code or by a distinguishable body language. Vanity can be recognized when somebody says or shows that the quality of life is important, or when his own world is more important than anybody else’s world, or when somebody shows a very big self-importance.