What's the difference between confidence and arrogance?

1. 91

   JKennyposted 12 years ago

   What's the difference between confidence and arrogance?

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2. 62

   Nettlemereposted 12 years ago

   I think confidence is when a person knows correctly that they are good at doing something, but is still prepared to listen to other people's ideas about it and seeks to improve how they do it.
   An arrogant person would believe they are brilliant at something and that there is no room for improvement and no point listening to anyone else's ideas about it.

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3. 69

   Larry Fieldsposted 12 years ago

   Like beauty, arrogance is in the eye of the beholder. When speaking about adults, we could use the delightfully ambiguous word, "chutzpah," to replace "assertiveness," "confidence," and "arrogance." Context, body language, and tone of voice should clarify which shade of chutzpah that we're talking about.
   
   We could reserve "confidence" for statistical analysis, children, and well-trained dogs.

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4. 84

   NateB11posted 12 years ago

   Confidence comes from understanding, arrogance from pretense which means ego.

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5. 83

   kathleenkatposted 12 years ago

   Arrogance is in the eyes of the beholder. Arrogance is a judgement. Confidence is just an attribute; its in the same bucket as fear, pride, shyness, and exuberance (which are all easily judged, too).

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6. 59

   happymomof2posted 12 years ago

   In my opinion: confidence is when you feel good about yourself and optimistic on something.  Arrogance is when you intend others to know how good you are or what you have with the intention of making them feel envy.  You can be confident without having others know about it so you are not really being arrogant.

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7. 0

   Larry Wallposted 12 years ago

   Confidence is knowing that you are capable of doing a job, giving a speech, answering a question or proposing an idea and being able to accept suggestions, comments or criticism.
   
   Arrogance is taking a position of knowing what you want said, done, suggested, or offered and not accepting any other alternative.

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8. 68

   Emanate Presenceposted 12 years ago

   JKenny,
   
   That is a marvelous question which provokes deeper reflection.
   
   Some of the answers from others also stir the well.
   
   Even if one thinks they stick to the facts, still any answer to any question will be subjective.
   
   None of the answers given are wrong, and none are right. They are individual ideas.
   
   As my belief systems and world views have changed into what is now, I see confidence as a quality or virtue of the divine spark in man and arrogance as an expression of the ego. Arrogance comes with a false sense of superiority, it can be a defensive mechanism from over-compensating a fear of being not enough, as the ego is caught in an illusion of separation.
   
   Whereas pure confidence by itself is grounded in knowing who and what one is, and knowing one's place as a self-contained being in the whole of existence.

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9. 71

   dommcgposted 12 years ago

   It is about how you are percived by others. You may be confident, but if you don't communicate yourself effectively and engage with your audience, whoever that may be, you can come across as arrogant.

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10. 0

    matama ellieposted 12 years ago

    Confidence is being comfortable with who you are and thus being content and always willing to try new things when necessary.If you are confident, it means that you do not feel the need to prove yourself unnecessarily.
    Arrogance is pride and pride definitely comes before a fall.An arrogant person will always be unwilling to pay attention to other people's opinions.Arrogant people have also been know to feel like they are a law unto themselves.For them, it is just about their ego.

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11. 81

    austinhealyposted 12 years ago

    Confidence is believeing in yourself. Arrogance is believing you're better than anybody else.

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12. 74

    Crissyliteposted 12 years ago

    Confidence is thinking highly of yourself. Arrogance is thinking more highly of yourself than you ought; ie. boasting, thinking that you don't need anybody's help, thinking you are above others.

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13. 63

    old albionposted 12 years ago

    Confidence is approachable, arrogance is not.
    Graham.

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14. 97

    watergeekposted 12 years ago

    Confidence is walking your talk. It's standing firm on what you know is right for you, even when others challenge, mock, or interfere. It's being aware enough that you know when to speak up and when to let something pass. It's living your life in the best way you know how, without expecting anything from others. It's being willing to give of yourself when it can be received, but not pushing it. It's standing straight in your own shoes.
    
    Arrogance is talking and acting like you're better than others. As though you are above the rules. It's interfering in other people's lives when they have not asked you to (or worse, when they've already said no). It's thinking you can just take from others or act in their name without their permission. It's talking down to or ignoring or talking over people because your religion, politics, or economic status is better than theirs. It's not a desirable or good feelingplace to be.

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15. 86

    annartposted 12 years ago

    I think confidence is being able to say and do what you believe in and what you are good at but you go over the line into arrogance if you give the impression that you are always right and better than anyone else - it's an attitude, appearing to think yourself superior to others.  Confidence in yourself is a good thing, arrogance is not.

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16. 58

    lawsonjeffposted 12 years ago

    Appreciate confidence and forgot arrogance.

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17. 59

    ironwindowposted 5 years ago

    Confidence is "I can do it well"
    Arrogance is "Only I can do it well"

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18. 62

    Running With Scissorsposted 5 years ago

    Confidence is quiet.  Arrogance is loud.

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19. 59

    Yiannis Loupisposted 5 years ago

    i think confidence is most important key of success
    A confident person can accept their weaknesses with grace. Arrogant people build themselves up by putting others down - to “win”

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