What's the difference between narcissism and vanity?

Question

After reading some article published on college students being narcissists, I was wondering what's the difference between narcissistic and vain. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Answer 1

Narcissism is an obsession with oneself where as vanity is an obsession with one's appearance.

You might want to look up the story of Narcissus and Echo, which is a Greek myth that "explains" the history of where we get the word "narcissism" and the flower that is called "narcissus." (Ok, enough with the quote marks.) It's a love story, and though it's sad, it's memorable. It also explains where echos come from (naturally).

Sue

Answer 2

Vanity And Narcissism

Answer 3

I can only give the context of what these two things mean to me. I have struggled with this and asked many people what they think narcissism is and also what vanity is. I have received many different answers and yet most are quite similar in context. I feel that most I have talked to have melded the two together for a single context. I would categorize narcissism as thinking one is superior to all. Vanity is to consider all to be worthless. This is the example I use. (Pardon the example it is the most efficient I have come up with and the most influential) Hitler had narcissistic feelings toward the English, in that they were worthy to live, and he even wanted them to join his cause, but because they would not, he would force them to be subjugated because he was superior (in his mind). Hitler had vanistic (I made up that word I think, it is to emote vanity) towards the descendants of Abraham in that he thought they were worthless and needed to be exterminated. Not because of his superiority, but because he saw them as worthless or he saw them vanistically. I understand I do not know what Hitler was thinking or claim to understand this period. I am using this particular snap shot of history as an embellishment to illustrate my point on the definition and contrast between narcissism and vanity. Narcissism has some nasty consequences, but vanistic tendencies can foster genocide and de-humanization. I believe it is very important that make and understand the difference. I would also like to add I am leaning more on a Sociological and Psychological understanding than a Philosophical one, for all fictitious realities are comprised of numerous factors and I would never wish to imply that anyone s understanding is wrong.

Answer 4

the difference between narcissism and vanity is narcissism is when the person is totally addicted in love witht themselvers on the other hand vanity is just the need to always look good no matter sometimes is too much.........

Answer 5

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narcissism is love for one self vanity i think is more like self-indulgence and pride is thinking highly of one self (but i wouldn't say it's total self-love)

Answer 6

I read that too! I think Narcissistic focuses on it all being about me. Vanity is usually associated with being in love with your appearance.

Answer 7

The difference is Narcissism is "Excessive" love for ones self.
Vanity is someone who spends alot of time thinking what is attractive.
Take care & good luck with answers.

Answer 8

A narcissist is someone who can only love himself thereby making a relationship with another difficult. An individual who is vain loves himself to a point but is obsessed with his appearance and usually aging yet is capable of loving another. This person enjoys being loved by another but will be selective.

Answer 9

vanity means you love yourself and think others SHOULD too.

narcissism means you love yourself and have no doubt that everyone else REALLY does too. There is no question because obviously they just do.

That's pretty basic but that's how it breaks down.

Answer 10

only 4 letters.