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You're very smart. Smarter than I am, I hope. Though of course I have such incredible vanity that I can't really believe that anyone is actually smarter than I am. Which means that I'm all the more in need of good advice, since I can't actually conceive of needing any. You talk in circles That's just part of my cruelty. To torment you with conversation

Orson Scott Card#206

EgoHumilityIntelligencePrideAdviceVanity

About this quote

What does it mean?
Vanity can blind someone to their own limitations, making them dependent on advice they refuse to acknowledge.
In plain terms
Being too proud of your intelligence stops you from seeing you need help.
What can you take from it?
Humility is required to accept guidance and grow.

Where it applies

  • leadership
  • personal growth
  • conflict

Putting it to work

  • seek feedback
  • acknowledge blind spots

Questions to consider

  • When did you last admit you needed help?

Another view

Confidence can sometimes be mistaken for vanity without clear context.

More from Orson Scott Card

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  2. Do I think you actually care? It's a good thing I have no soul. That's the only thing that stops you from devouring it If I ever had your soul in my mouth I wo…

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  3. When you don't understand the consequences of your acts, how can you be blamed for them? You don't take the blame. But you still take the responsibility. For h…

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