Vanity

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Vanity is a concept that refers to excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or achievements. It is often associated with narcissism, self-esteem, and egotism. The term is derived from the Latin word vanitas, meaning "emptiness" or "worthlessness".

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "vanity" comes from the Latin word vanitas, which means "emptiness" or "worthlessness". It was first used in English in the 14th century to refer to the quality of being worthless or futile. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to refer to excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements.

Psychological perspective[edit | edit source]

From a psychological perspective, vanity is often associated with narcissism, a personality trait characterized by a grandiose view of one's own talents and a craving for admiration. Narcissists often have an inflated sense of self-importance and a deep need for excessive attention and admiration. They may also lack empathy for others and have difficulty forming healthy relationships.

Vanity can also be linked to self-esteem, a person's overall sense of their value or worth. People with high self-esteem generally have a positive view of themselves and their abilities, while those with low self-esteem may have a negative view of themselves and feel unworthy or incompetent.

Cultural perspective[edit | edit source]

In many cultures, vanity is viewed negatively and is often associated with egotism, or an excessive preoccupation with oneself. This is particularly true in Western cultures, where humility and modesty are often valued over self-promotion and self-aggrandizement.

However, in some cultures, vanity is seen as a positive trait. For example, in some Eastern cultures, vanity is seen as a sign of self-respect and self-worth, and is not necessarily associated with narcissism or egotism.

See also[edit | edit source]

Vanity Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD