The key difference between ego and pride is that ego is a sense of self-importance which can lead to arrogance whereas pride is a sense of satisfaction.
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
I feel that pride Is ego..be happy with yourself and others, have honour. And if someone is not pround of you then they are disapointed…I so do not like that word and it seems people are blind to it.
Had to look this up for curiosity’s sake.
Asking my friend the other day why she no longer takes part of martial arts tournaments after college, and she said she’d rather focus on volunteer work at the “Y”. That and it’d be more of an ego trip to continue them. Another friend listening in said “Sounds more like a pride thing than an ego thing” to which I reply “What’s the difference?” “Big difference!”
Hence why I’m here.
Thanks to the author!
Dear,
‘Pride leads to humility’ I strongly disagree with this finding. Actually ‘Pride leads to DISTRUCTION’ it leads people to be envy, jealous towards the one who is more superior to them, it becomes hard for them to acknowledge other’s achievements and gives sense of unhealthy competition. It is dangorous for the society and it blinds the person thinking that he alone can do everything. But the reality is we are social creatures so we need help of others whether smaller or bigger.
According to bible Pride and Humility both are opposite to each other and brings opposite outcomes, it says ‘Pride brings a person disgrace but humility brings honor’
I totally agree with @Neeta says. Pride and ego are one one side of the fence to mean that once you feed your ego, pride subsequently increases. There’s nothing good about both pride and ego coz in both cases one is living off of putting others down and exalting themselves. You begin to take pride in little things and over time you build an ego, which is what you consider your self worth as a result of past achievements that you have had as a person.
But if you think about it, pride is needed for growth. Someone who is a drug addict trying to change needs a sense of pride to stop. Ego will not help you and make you think “I know in can stop just one last time “ even Jesus had pride enough to not be tempted by the devil because God his father was greater then all things so he had pride enough to not fall victim to temptation.
I am an addict In Recovery, and I can tell you that pride is NOT a positive trait. It is through humility that one becomes honest enough and willing to take corrective action. Not pride.
hi , can any one tell me how to stop having a ego. im currently in rehab and this is one thing im tring to change about my self.