Ego vs Pride。

The words Ego and Pride are so close in meaning and so inter-related that sometimes it becomes difficult to differentiate between them.

Some people think of ego as self respect. Though it is true in some cases, it can too often lead to arrogance which even the person may be unaware of. Ego is a feeling of being superior to others. It originates in mind and has often no relation with reality. Ego is… I, ME, and Myself.

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.

Ego acts like a hurdle when one tries to develop a positive relationship with another person. Ego is self intoxicating! You provide “nourishment” every time you think of yourself as superior than others. Ego is therefore an unhealthy pride that leads to arrogance.

Pride on the other hand is a feeling of pleasure and joy. I’m sure you must have noticed how humble those who achieve everything in their field become. Ego gives one a swollen head while pride gives a swollen heart. A big head is always a problem as it gives big headaches whereas a big heart gives nothing but humility.