Reflections: Imam Ali ؑ highlights a profound psychological truth: vanity ($`Ujb$) acts as a veil over the mind. When a person becomes fascinated with their own brilliance or virtues, they stop seeking improvement and lose the ability to see their own flaws. In this sense, self-admiration “envies” the intellect because it tries to stunt the mind’s growth and leads it toward foolish decisions. True intelligence is always paired with humility.