“We are rarely proud when we are alone.”
- November 21, 1694 – May 30, 1778
- Born in France
- Philosopher, man of letters, historian
- Wrote many works, including “Philosophy of History,” “De Toleration,” “Philosophical Dictionary,” “Philosophical Letters,” “Oedipus,” and “Candide,” and is known as a pioneer of Enlightenment thought.
Quote
“We are rarely proud when we are alone.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Voltaire’s observation about the social nature of pride and self-perception. He suggests that pride often arises from how we perceive ourselves in relation to others or how we believe others perceive us. Without an audience, real or imagined, pride loses its purpose, as it is often tied to external validation rather than intrinsic satisfaction.
In a modern context, this insight remains relevant in understanding human behavior and motivation. Social media, for example, amplifies this phenomenon by providing a constant audience for achievements, appearances, and opinions. People may feel pride in likes, comments, or shares, but this pride often diminishes when the connection to an audience disappears. Voltaire’s words invite reflection on whether pride stems from external acknowledgment or a deeper, more personal sense of accomplishment.
A practical example can be seen in the workplace. Someone may take great pride in receiving public recognition for a project but feel less so when working alone on tasks that lack visibility. Voltaire’s quote encourages us to examine the sources of our pride and to cultivate fulfillment that doesn’t rely solely on external validation.
