@Grasshopper Said
What's the borderline between conceited and having a good self-esteem?
Does calling yourself smart and pretty make you stuck up? Or can that just be haters making one feel bad?
If you're concerned about what other people may think of you, then it's possible that there is a touch of conceit about you....
Of course none of us wants to be unpopular, but there are times when a person feels so strongly about something that they feel they must act or speak out regardless of the personal consequences. That's self esteem. Why..? Because it is important to be true to yourself and your beliefs.
The only person in the world you can never lie to is yourself. We all have to (metaphorically) look at ourselves in the bathroom mirror every day and ask ourselves if we like what we see. Do we want to see a person who sold out their own beliefs so that others would "like" them..?
And what does that say about the people whose popularity we court...? If those people would only "like" us if we share their views, or agree with their opinions, then is their friendship worth having..?
A number of people won't talk to me on this site because of some of the things I have said about the USA. Well, that's up to them. If they are so shallow that they can't take up the argument and attempt to counter my points, but rather,they throw a hissy fit and reach for the Ignore button, then I will lose no sleep over that.
Check out my siggy (below). The man who made the quote, Giovanni Falcone was a Sicilian judge, who took on the Mafia and was responsible for many very high ranking mafiosi in Italy being imprisoned. It cost him his life. He was blown up by a bomb placed by the Mafia. He lived his life under constant threat, and had to be surrounded by bodyguards 24 / 7, but he didn't quit. He carried on until they eventually killed him.
The Italian people went into mourning. A simple public official, from a poor island became a symbol of truth, integrity and justice because he refused to give in. His name is revered in Italy today and he is an inspiration still, to those who follow in his wake.
He was not a conceited man, not vain nor arrogant, but he spoke his truth and to hell with the consequences. He had true self esteem. This was a man who could look in the bathroom mirror and not feel shame at the reflection which came back at him.
Read my siggy and think about it. You'll get a better idea about where I'm coming from on a number of issues. I will argue my case vigorously and I will defend my position on anything with all my might, but I'll admit when I'm proven wrong and hold my hands up and respect the person who showed me the error of my ways. Those who spit their dummies out and retort "I'm-not-talking-to-you-anymore" deserve nothing but scorn, contempt and slight regard.
I don't suggest for one moment, that I am on a par with Giovanni Falcone, but I do believe that I share the same values, and when you read his words, you may understand why I feel that I too, can look myself in the face and call it self respect and dignity.
But never vanity.
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