"人は基本的な尊厳を失うと他人の虚栄心に愕然とする。"
— Umberto Eco
Simplified Meaning:
When someone forgets or loses their basic self-respect, they start to get really upset or angry when they see other people being proud or showing off. This happens because deep down, they are unhappy with themselves and their lives. For example, think about a person who once had a good job and felt proud of their work, but then lost it and couldn't find a new one. They might start feeling bad about themselves and jealous of others who still have good jobs and can afford nice things. When they see these people showing off their success, it reminds them of their own failures, which makes them even more upset. To avoid feeling this way, it's important for everyone to remember their own worth and treat themselves with kindness. If you focus on building and appreciating your own self-respect, you won't be as bothered by others who seem to have more. Instead, you can feel happy for them and concentrate on improving your own situation. So, it's a good idea to always keep a sense of your personal dignity, no matter what challenges you face in life.