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"هنگامی که کسی حس کرامت اساسی را از دست می‌دهد، از خودپسندی دیگران متحیر می‌شود."

Umberto Eco
Umberto Eco Novelist
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Quote meaning
Losing touch with your own basic sense of worth can make you see other people's pride as something offensive. When you no longer recognize your own inherent dignity, it's easy to become irritated by the self-assuredness or even the arrogance you perceive in those around you. It's like if you're struggling to stay afloat, watching others confidently swim can feel unbearable.

To put this in context, consider the times when this idea might come up. Often, it's during moments when you feel down or insecure. Maybe you've had a rough patch at work, or your relationships aren't going as well as you'd hope. At these points, seeing someone else strut around with their head held high can feel like a slap in the face. It's not that their behavior is inherently offensive—it's that it highlights your own feelings of inadequacy.

Take the example of a workplace scenario. Picture a team meeting where one of your colleagues presents their project with a lot of confidence. They talk about their achievements and future plans with an air of self-assuredness. If you're feeling good about your own work, you might admire their poise. But if you're feeling unsure about your contributions, their confidence could come off as bragging. You might think, "Who do they think they are?"—not because their behavior has changed, but because your perception of it has.

So, how do you apply this piece of wisdom to your own life? Start by recognizing when your irritation might be more about you than the other person. Next time you feel that familiar twinge of annoyance at someone's vanity, pause and ask yourself how you're feeling about yourself in that moment. Are you confident and secure, or are you struggling with your own sense of worth?

To make this concrete, let's dive into a relatable story. Imagine you're at a reunion with old school friends. One friend, Alex, walks in looking incredibly successful. They talk about their job, their travels, and their latest accomplishments. Now, if you're feeling good about where you are in life, you'll probably celebrate Alex's successes with them. But if you're feeling stuck in a rut, Alex's confidence might rub you the wrong way. You might even find yourself thinking they’re just showing off.

The next time you catch yourself feeling this way, take a moment to reflect. What’s really bothering you—Alex’s vanity, or your own sense of inadequacy? It’s a tough pill to swallow, but recognizing this can be the first step towards reconnecting with your own sense of dignity.

In practical terms, you can work on this by building your own self-esteem. Engage in activities that make you feel accomplished. Surround yourself with supportive people. And most importantly, remind yourself of your own worth, independent of what anyone else is doing. By doing this, you'll find that other people's confidence becomes less of a trigger and more of an inspiration.

So next time you feel that pang of annoyance at someone’s apparent vanity, ask yourself: am I feeling good about me? If not, maybe it’s time to give yourself a little more credit. After all, everyone has their moments of glory—and you should too.
Related tags
Dignity Ethical behavior Human nature Morality Personal integrity Self-perception Self-respect Self-worth Vanity
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