You May Also Like / View all maxioms
When you're 50 you start thinking about things you haven't thought about before. I used to think getting old was read more
When you're 50 you start thinking about things you haven't thought about before. I used to think getting old was about vanity- but actually it's about losing people you love. Getting wrinkles is trivial.
Vanity is so secure in the heart of man that everyone wants to be admired: even I who write this, read more
Vanity is so secure in the heart of man that everyone wants to be admired: even I who write this, and you who read this.
It must require an inordinate share of vanity and presumption, too, after enjoying so much that is good and beautiful read more
It must require an inordinate share of vanity and presumption, too, after enjoying so much that is good and beautiful on earth, to ask the Lord for immortality in addition to all.
Magnanimous people have no vanity, they have no jealousy, and they feed on the true and the solid wherever they read more
Magnanimous people have no vanity, they have no jealousy, and they feed on the true and the solid wherever they find it. And, what is more, they find it everywhere.
Self-love seems so often unrequited.
Self-love seems so often unrequited.
To say that a man is vain means merely that he is pleased with the effect he produces on other read more
To say that a man is vain means merely that he is pleased with the effect he produces on other people. A conceited man is satisfied with the effect he produces on himself.
 How many saucy airs we meet,
 From Temple Bar to Aldgate street!  
 How many saucy airs we meet,
 From Temple Bar to Aldgate street! 
 Sooth'd with the sound, the king grew vain:
 Fought all his battles o'er again;
  And thrice he read more 
 Sooth'd with the sound, the king grew vain:
 Fought all his battles o'er again;
  And thrice he routed all his foes, and thrice he slew the slain.