To say that a man is vain means merely that he is pleased with the effect he produces on other people. A conceited man is satisfied with the effect he produces on himself.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Vanity seeks external validation while conceit seeks internal satisfaction.
- In plain terms
- Vain people like how others see them; conceited people like how they see themselves.
- What can you take from it?
- Vanity cares about others' opinions; conceit cares about self-opinion.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do you seek praise or self-satisfaction?
- Is vanity worse than conceit?
Another view
The distinction between vanity and conceit is often blurred.
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