In this article, we will explore Amour-propre from different perspectives, analyzing its importance, impact and relevance in various contexts. From its origin to its evolution today, Amour-propre has been the subject of interest and debate among experts, academics and hobbyists. Through a detailed analysis, we aim to shed light on the lesser-known aspects of Amour-propre, as well as highlight its influence in fields as varied as science, culture, technology or society in general. With a multidisciplinary approach, we will address the multiple facets of Amour-propre to provide a comprehensive and enriching vision on this topic.
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Amour-propre (French: [amuʁ pʁɔpʁ]; lit. 'self-love') is a French term that can be variously translated as "self-love", "self-esteem", or "vanity". In philosophy, it is a term used by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who contrasts it with another kind of self-love, which he calls amour de soi.[1]
According to Rousseau, the difference between the two is that amour-propre assumes that self-esteem can only be found by gaining the approval of others, whereas amour de soi involves one's feelings for oneself alone, without any intervening concerns about how one is seen by others. According to Rousseau, amour de soi is more primitive and is compatible with wholeness and happiness, while amour-propre is a form of self-love that arose only with the appearance of society and individuals' consequent ability to compare themselves with one another.[2]
Rousseau thought that amour-propre was subject to corruption, thereby causing vice and misery. But in addition, by guiding us to seek others' approval and recognition, amour-propre can contribute positively to virtue.[3]
The term amour-propre predates Rousseau and is found in the writings of Blaise Pascal, La Rochefoucauld, Pierre Nicole, Jacques Abbadie, and many others.[4] Pascal detested self-love, self-esteem, ego, vanity as well perhaps, which are interchangeable terms for him, because it puts the self in the place of God. He suggested it was unfair that we are born with the desire to be loved by others, but unavoidable due to the consequence of the Fall, or original sin. Christianity was the only true remedy to this wretched state of man known as amour-propre.[5]