I StumbledUpon Seth Godin’s blog and have been following him ever since.  This post, though, makes me wish he had comments open.

Seth describes arrogant as being a hair’s breadth away from having “the confidence and attitude that goes with bringing a new idea into the world”.

Someone who has enthusiasm for a passion and shares that enthusiasm can only be called arrogant by the misinformed.

This definition is what I think of when I meet someone who is truly arrogant:

ar·ro·gant adj.

1. Having or displaying a sense of overbearing self-worth or self-importance.

2. Marked by or arising from a feeling or assumption of one’s superiority toward others:

We’ve all met the arrogant guy – the one who will have a conversation with you explaining how he is all and you are nothing.  The slightly derogatory tone of voice.  The aloof demeanor.

The person this definition describes is someone who is actually only talking to himself.  You are right in front of him, his body, mouth, eyes are all pointed in your direction.  Words come out of the mouth, but they are not intended for you…they are directed only toward his own inner dialogue.  No one else really exists.