Confidence vs Arrogance
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Between the terms Confidence and Arrogance, several differences can be identified. Many people find it difficult to distinguish between these two concepts due to their similarities. Confidence can be understood as the trust or faith that a person has in someone, something, or themselves. Arrogance refers to the exaggeration of a person’s importance and abilities. This highlights the basic differences between confidence and arrogance. Let’s take a closer look at these two attributes to help people become more confident without becoming arrogant.
What is Confidence?
Confidence is the belief in one’s abilities. A confident person knows their areas of strength and feels confident from within; they do not necessarily display their knowledge or competence. Although they are human beings who feel good when told they are better at some things than others and find gratification in validation, they are not dependent upon this gratification. They try to be useful with their talent and succeed at the task at hand because of their ability. Unlike an arrogant person, a confident person is aware of both their strengths and weaknesses and accepts them gracefully.
What is Arrogance?
Arrogance can also be interpreted as a belief in one’s abilities, but in an exaggerated version. The difference between Confidence and Arrogance lies in the fact that the ability is used to look down upon others. Arrogant people can be found everywhere, thinking less of others or someone in their surroundings. These are people who correct flaws in others or show them the right way of doing things. An arrogant person is more interested in being proven right than being happy. In a discussion, they go all out to prove they are right by dismissing other’s arguments. To be proven right is the most important objective for such people, even if it comes at the cost of reducing other’s status or making them feel lesser. Unlike a confident person, an arrogant person is dependent on validation. Thus, the difference between a confident and an arrogant person is not based on abilities, but on having calm control over oneself. An arrogant person tries to belittle others by displaying their abilities, while a confident person displays their abilities only when genuinely needed. There is a school of thought that arrogance stems from a sense of insecurity, and a person is arrogant to compensate for areas of weakness that cause distress for such a person. Arrogance breeds superiority, and often an arrogant person becomes unbearable to have in one’s life. This is why it is difficult for arrogant people to make long-lasting relationships. On the other hand, a confident person is not competing with others all the time, and having a confident person as a friend or partner is a comfortable position to be in. Even the body language of an arrogant person is different from that of a confident person. Arrogant people often have an excessive swagger and a commanding posture and demeanor. Confidence, on the other hand, gives a pleasing personality and an open posture that is liked by most people.
Key Takeaways
- Arrogance breeds superiority, while confidence makes others comfortable.
- Arrogance may be a way to suppress feelings of insecurity for other areas of weakness.
- Confident people take into their stride both strengths and weaknesses, while arrogant people feel good by making others feel lesser.
