Pride that dines on vanity, sups on contempt.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote delves into the complex nature of pride, revealing its dualistic essence through vivid imagery. Let's unpack its meaning.
"Pride that dines on vanity, sups on contempt" is a poetic way of illustrating the consequences of unchecked pride. Pride, typically viewed as a positive attribute, can morph into something darker when fueled by vanity. Vanity, here, refers to excessive self-admiration or an exaggerated sense of one's own importance. When pride feeds on vanity, it becomes a voracious consumer, akin to a diner indulging in a lavish meal. This imagery suggests that pride, when intertwined with vanity, grows and thrives, becoming insatiable in its appetite.
The second part of the quote, "sups on contempt," introduces another layer of meaning. "Supping" refers to eating a light evening meal, often symbolizing a continuation of the day's activities. In this context, pride not only dines on vanity but also indulges in contempt. Contempt is a feeling of scorn or disdain towards others perceived as inferior. When pride indulges in contempt, it suggests a sense of superiority or disdainful attitude towards others. This consumption of contempt further reinforces the notion that unchecked pride leads to a degradation of character.
Together, the quote paints a vivid picture of pride's descent into darker territory when fueled by vanity and contempt. It suggests that pride, when not tempered by humility and empathy, can lead to arrogance and disdain for others. It serves as a cautionary reminder to cultivate a balanced sense of pride that is rooted in self-respect and accomplishment without veering into arrogance or disdain for others.
In essence, the quote highlights the importance of humility in maintaining healthy pride. It warns against the dangers of allowing pride to become entangled with vanity and contempt, which can ultimately erode one's character and relationships. By reflecting on this quote, individuals can strive to cultivate a pride that is tempered by humility, empathy, and respect for others, thus fostering genuine self-confidence and positive relationships.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Pride that dines on vanity, sups on contempt." is often attributed to Benjamin Franklin (Bio / Quotes). Benjamin Franklin was an American statesman, writer, and inventor who played a key role in the founding of the United States.
What are Benjamin Franklin's Best Quotes?
Watch on Elevate's YouTube channel and be sure to subscribe for more wisdom and insights from the world's top minds.
Subscribe on YouTube to get the latest quote videos delivered straight to you:
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
The quote “Pride that dines on vanity, sups on contempt” reflects the idea that excessive pride, when fueled by self-importance and vanity, eventually leads to a deep-seated contempt for others. A historical example that embodies this notion can be seen in the life of King Louis XVI of France, whose reign and eventual downfall illustrate the consequences of pride and vanity.
Louis XVI ascended to the throne in 1774 and was initially perceived as a well-meaning but indecisive monarch. Over time, his inability to address France’s economic problems, coupled with his lavish lifestyle, became a source of growing discontent among the French people. Louis’s pride, reinforced by his royal status and the luxury he enjoyed, blinded him to the mounting social and economic unrest. His vanity was evident in his extravagant spending on personal pleasures, such as the construction of the extravagant Palace of Versailles and elaborate court ceremonies.
As Louis XVI continued to indulge in his opulent lifestyle, the gap between the aristocracy and the common people widened. The French Revolution, which erupted in 1789, was fueled by widespread resentment towards the monarchy’s excesses. The revolutionaries’ contempt for Louis XVI and the royal court was a direct consequence of the pride and vanity that had marked his reign. His inability to recognize and address the suffering of his people only deepened their disdain, ultimately leading to his downfall and execution in 1793.
Louis XVI’s story illustrates how pride, when intertwined with vanity, can lead to a situation where contempt for others becomes inevitable. His failure to acknowledge the needs of his people and his focus on maintaining an image of grandeur contributed to his eventual loss of support and authority.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
In real life, the quote “Pride that dines on vanity, sups on contempt” can be applied to various situations, particularly in leadership and personal relationships. Consider a scenario where a business leader, driven by excessive pride and vanity, prioritizes their own recognition and image over the well-being of their employees.
Imagine a CEO of a successful company who is more concerned with their public image and accolades than with addressing the concerns of their staff. This CEO might engage in grand gestures, such as expensive promotional campaigns or high-profile appearances, to enhance their own reputation. However, they may neglect crucial issues within the company, such as employee dissatisfaction, inadequate working conditions, or lack of support for their team.
As the CEO’s pride and vanity grow, their focus on self-promotion and personal glory increases, leading to a disconnect from the actual needs and grievances of their employees. Over time, this neglect breeds contempt among the staff, who may feel undervalued and overlooked. The resentment can lead to decreased morale, lower productivity, and even high employee turnover.
In this scenario, the CEO’s pride, driven by vanity, ultimately leads to a situation where contempt from their employees becomes apparent. The leader’s failure to address the concerns of their team and their focus on self-image result in a toxic work environment and diminished respect from those they are supposed to lead.
This real-life application of the quote highlights the importance of balancing self-regard with empathy and genuine concern for others. Leaders and individuals alike must be mindful of how their pride and vanity can affect their relationships and the broader impact of their actions. By maintaining humility and addressing the needs of others, one can avoid the pitfalls of contempt and foster a more positive and supportive environment.
Applying the quote to your life
Unlock Franklin's wisdom and apply it to your life by getting the in-depth Benjamin Franklin Workbook & Study Guide, complete with top quotes, insightful commentary, reflective questions, and practical uses for everyday life. 👇
To apply more wisdom, get the All-Access Pass, which includes hundreds of study guides from the world's top minds. These include deep insights from individuals such as Nelson Mandela, Steve Jobs, and Albert Einstein, as well as some of the top authors and personal development books.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
