There is no significant difference between self-respect and pride. There is a difference between the ego and self-respect or pride. Self-respect and pride are simply natural to your individuality. They are your dignity. They are your acceptance of yourself.
The ego is a comparison.
Self-respect and pride are non-comparative; that’s the basic difference.
In ego you are always comparing: I am superior to others, I am better than you, I am higher than you, I am holier than you – I am a saint and you are a sinner. Whatever the reason, you are comparing yourself as being superior and reducing the other to being inferior. This is the formation of the ego.
But pride is non-comparative. It does not say anything about anybody else. It simply says: I am respectful of myself; I love myself, I am proud just to be – just to be here in this beautiful existence. It does not say anything about anybody else.
The moment you go into comparison, you start an ugly game.
~~OM~~