113 Best Self-Centered Quotes (with Commentary)

‍Self-centered quotes emphasize the effects of selfishness and the lack of compassion that comes with being extremely focused on oneself.

These quotes reflect the importance of modesty, compassion, and the effect that self-absorption can have on relationships and society.

They remind you of the importance of shifting focus away from ego and towards understanding and caring for others.

Top Self-Centered Quotes

Self-centeredness can often lead to isolation and misunderstanding. These quotes capture the essence of what it means to be self-absorbed and the impact it has on individuals and relationships.

“A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle.”Benjamin Franklin

“The world is not revolving around you; you’re just standing in the middle of your own universe.”Anonymous

“Selfishness is the greatest curse of the human race.”William E. Gladstone

“The ego is not master in its own house.”Sigmund Freud

“Self-centered people only see things in black and white. Everything is either for them or against them.”Anonymous

“Self-centeredness is not necessarily thinking too much of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself far too much.”Anonymous

“Egotism is the anesthetic that dulls the pain of stupidity.”Frank Leahy

“He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals.”Benjamin Franklin

“Pride and selfishness keep us blind to the needs of others.”Anonymous

“A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person.”Dave Barry

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Self-Centered Quotes on Narcissism and Ego

Narcissism and ego often lead to a distorted view of the world, where the self becomes the center of the universe. These quotes explore the harmful effects of such a mindset and emphasize the importance of humility.

“Narcissism has a way of wearing down those who come in contact with it.”Anonymous

“Ego is the anesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity.”Rick Rigsby

“People who are self-centered see everything in terms of themselves.”Stephen Covey

“A narcissist is someone better looking than you are.”Gore Vidal

“Ego is just like dust in the eyes. Without clearing the dust, we can’t see anything clearly.”Anonymous

“Narcissism is the most trivial form of egoism: it is the egoist’s self-reflection, his or her standing before the mirror.”Lukas Foss

“Narcissism is the most contagious disease known to man.”Anonymous

“The ego wants comfort and certainty. The soul wants to live fully.”Maxime Lagacé

“Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live.”Oscar Wilde

“Narcissists care more about their needs than anyone else’s feelings.”Anonymous

Self-Centered Quotes on the Consequences of Selfishness

Selfishness can have a lasting impact on relationships, personal growth, and societal harmony. These quotes explore how being self-centered can lead to isolation, conflict, and regret.

“Selfishness is the greatest curse of the human race.”William E. Gladstone

“A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle.”Benjamin Franklin

“The more selfish you are, the less satisfied you become.”Anonymous

“Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live.”Oscar Wilde

“The ego is not master in its own house.”Sigmund Freud

“Selfishness at the expense of others never brings true happiness.”Anonymous

“In the end, it’s your selfishness that will leave you all alone.”Anonymous

“A selfish person has no friends, only accomplices.”Anonymous

“Pride and selfishness keep us blind to the needs of others.”Anonymous

“Selfishness is weakness. But loving and caring for others is a position of power beyond anything we can possibly imagine.”Joel Osteen

Self-Centered Quotes on Lack of Empathy

When self-centeredness dominates, empathy for others becomes a rare trait. These quotes highlight the disconnect and emotional isolation that can occur when individuals focus solely on themselves.

“A person who is nice to you but rude to the waiter is not a nice person.”Dave Barry

“Empathy begins when you stop being so absorbed in your own story.”Anonymous

“You can’t understand someone else’s pain if all you’re focused on is your own.”Anonymous

“When people are wrapped up in themselves, empathy is the first casualty.”Anonymous

“Those who are all about themselves seldom make time to consider anyone else.”Anonymous

“Self-centeredness is the enemy of compassion.”Anonymous

“To love without empathy is to serve only yourself.”Anonymous

“You can’t see others when you only have eyes for yourself.”Anonymous

“True empathy requires you to see things from someone else’s perspective, not just your own.”Anonymous

“In a world full of ego, empathy is the revolution.”Anonymous

Self-Centered Quotes on Relationships and Self-Absorption

Self-absorption in relationships can lead to isolation and disconnection. These quotes reflect how being too focused on oneself damages bonds and prevents genuine connection.

“The greatest marriages are built on teamwork. A mutual respect, a healthy dose of admiration, and a never-ending portion of love and grace.”Fawn Weaver

“When one person in the relationship only talks about themselves, there’s no room for growth or intimacy.”Leslie Becker-Phelps

“Love is not about possession, it’s about appreciation.”Osho

“A relationship where one person’s ego is always in the spotlight will never last.”John Gottman

“It’s hard to feel close to someone who’s more interested in themselves than in the relationship.”M. Scott Peck

“The biggest communication problem is we do not listen to understand. We listen to reply.”Stephen R. Covey

“Self-absorption makes you a lonely person in any relationship.”Esther Perel

“You can’t be in a real relationship if you’re only in love with yourself.”C. S. Lewis

“Relationships flourish when two people focus on each other, not on themselves.”Gary Chapman

“Self-centered people don’t build relationships; they build walls.”Brené Brown

Self-Centered Quotes on the Importance of Humility

Humility is the antidote to self-centeredness, allowing individuals to grow and connect more deeply with others. These quotes emphasize the importance of stepping away from the ego.

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”C.S. Lewis

“Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues.”Confucius

“Pride makes us artificial, humility makes us real.”Thomas Merton

“The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes.”Winston Churchill

“True humility is staying teachable, regardless of how much you already know.”Rick Warren

“The higher we are placed, the more humbly we should walk.”Marcus Tullius Cicero

“Humility is the only true wisdom by which we prepare our minds for all the possible changes of life.”George Arliss

“Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying.”St. Vincent de Paul

“Humility is royalty without a crown.”Spencer W. Kimball

“There is a thin line between confidence and arrogance. It’s called humility. Confidence smiles, arrogance smirks.”Unknown

Self-Centered Quotes on Personal Growth and Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is a powerful tool for personal growth. Recognizing self-centered behaviors and striving for balance can help individuals grow and become more mindful in their relationships and interactions.

“Self-awareness gives you the capacity to learn from your mistakes as well as your successes.”Lawrence Bossidy

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”Aristotle

“Self-reflection is the school of wisdom.”Baltasar Gracián

“The greatest discovery in life is self-discovery. Until you find yourself, you will always be someone else. Become yourself.”Myles Munroe

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.”Winston Churchill

“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”C.S. Lewis

“Growth begins when we start to accept our own weaknesses.”Jean Vanier

“The first step towards change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.”Nathaniel Branden

“Personal growth is about becoming more aware of who you are, rather than focusing on who you want to be.”Martha Beck

“In order to grow, you must look at yourself honestly and face the truth.”Oprah Winfrey

Self-Centered Quotes on the Pitfalls of Arrogance

Arrogance can be a major obstacle in personal and professional growth, leading to isolation and missed opportunities. These quotes highlight the dangers of arrogance and the importance of humility.

“Arrogance is the camouflage of insecurity.”Tim Fargo

“Arrogance is the enemy of wisdom.”Frank Lloyd Wright

“The higher you climb, the harder you fall. And arrogance is what makes the fall even harder.”Brandon Sanderson

“Arrogance destroys the footwork of success.”Bruce Lee

“The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.”Stephen Hawking

“Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall.”The Bible (Proverbs 16:18)

“The arrogant person who tries to control everything often ends up with nothing.”J.K. Rowling

“Arrogance and ignorance go hand in hand.”Mike Krzyzewski

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”C.S. Lewis

“A person wrapped up in themselves makes a very small package.”Benjamin Franklin

Self-Centered Quotes on the Impact of Selfishness in Society

Selfishness in society can have detrimental effects, leading to divisions, lack of empathy, and a breakdown of community values. These quotes reflect the broader consequences of self-centered behaviors on collective well-being.

“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”Greek Proverb

“Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live.”Oscar Wilde

“The world is full of selfish people who demand to be treated as selfless.”Anthony D. Williams

“Selfishness is the greatest curse of the human race.”William E. Gladstone

“The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have.”Norman Vincent Peale

“A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle.”Benjamin Franklin

“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent.”John Donne

“Selfishness is the poison of society; it corrodes relationships and creates barriers where bridges could be built.”Eleanor Roosevelt

“The selfish spirit of commerce knows no country, and feels no passion or principle but that of gain.”Thomas Jefferson

“A selfish society is one that refuses to see beyond its own doorstep.”Mahatma Gandhi

Self-Centered Quotes on Overcoming Self-Absorption

To grow and thrive, individuals must move beyond self-absorption and become more aware of their surroundings, relationships, and contributions to the greater good. These quotes inspire self-awareness and reflection.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”Mahatma Gandhi

“Happiness is not achieved by the conscious pursuit of happiness; it is generally the by-product of other activities.”Aldous Huxley

“We rise by lifting others.”Robert Ingersoll

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”Albert Einstein

“The unexamined life is not worth living.”Socrates

“True greatness is achieved by rising above self-interest and working for the good of others.”Booker T. Washington

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”John Bunyan

“It is only when you forget yourself that you do things that are remembered.”Eric Hoffer

“The man who is too self-centered is bound to live in a small world.”David Starr Jordan

“To be truly great, you must be able to let go of self-absorption and look outward with empathy and compassion.”Helen Keller

Self-Centered Quotes on True Leadership and Compassion

True leadership isn’t about self-promotion but about fostering growth, compassion, and empathy in others. These quotes remind us that real leaders rise by lifting those around them and acting with consideration for others.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”Mahatma Gandhi

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”Simon Sinek

“True leadership is servanthood. Put the interests of others at the center of your decisions.”Dave Ramsey

“A great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.”John C. Maxwell

“The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.”Ralph Nader

“Compassion is the heart of true leadership. Without it, leaders become tyrants.”Dalai Lama

“Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.”John C. Maxwell

“To lead people, walk beside them. As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence.”Lao Tzu

“True leaders always practice three R’s: Respect for self, Respect for others, and Responsibility for all their actions.”Anonymous

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”John C. Maxwell

Self-Centered Quotes on Learning to Think of Others

Breaking free from self-centeredness requires awareness of others’ feelings and perspectives. These quotes encourage embracing empathy, consideration, and selflessness to grow as a compassionate individual.

“Empathy is about finding echoes of another person in yourself.”Mohsin Hamid

“You can only understand people if you feel them in yourself.”John Steinbeck

“The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.”Helen Keller

“It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed.”Napoleon Hill

“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”Mahatma Gandhi

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”Dalai Lama

“The best antidote for selfishness is service to others.”Robin Sharma

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”Martin Luther King Jr.

“Self-centered people have only one topic: themselves. Other-centered people have plenty to talk about.”John C. Maxwell

“To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors.”Tia Walker

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Final Thoughts

Self-centered quotes encourage personal development by urging you to move beyond selfishness and embrace empathy and humility.

They are reminders that true satisfaction comes not from focusing just on yourself, but from developing significant connections with others and contributing positively to the world around you.

Through self-awareness and a readiness to think beyond your own desires, you can cultivate richer relationships and a more sympathetic outlook on life.