To act from pure benevolence is not possible for finite beings. Human benevolence is mingled with vanity, interest, or some read more

To act from pure benevolence is not possible for finite beings. Human benevolence is mingled with vanity, interest, or some other motive.

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.

Here files of pins extend their shining rows,
Puffs, powders, patches, bibles, billet-doux.

Here files of pins extend their shining rows,
Puffs, powders, patches, bibles, billet-doux.

Never "just run out for a few minutes" without looking your best. This is not vanity -- it's self-liking. Your read more

Never "just run out for a few minutes" without looking your best. This is not vanity -- it's self-liking. Your face is always on display.

Know that it is good to work. Work with love, and think of liking it when you do it. It read more

Know that it is good to work. Work with love, and think of liking it when you do it. It is easy and interesting. It is a privilege. There is nothing hard about it but your anxious vanity and fear of failure.

Meek Nature's evening comment on the shows
That for oblivion that their daily birth
From all the read more

Meek Nature's evening comment on the shows
That for oblivion that their daily birth
From all the fuming vanities of earth.

There are no grades of vanity, there are only grades of ability in concealing it

There are no grades of vanity, there are only grades of ability in concealing it

It beareth the name of Vanity Fair, because the town where it is
kept is "lighter than vanity."

It beareth the name of Vanity Fair, because the town where it is
kept is "lighter than vanity."

We say little if not egged on by vanity.
[Fr., On parle peu quand la vanite ne fait pas read more

We say little if not egged on by vanity.
[Fr., On parle peu quand la vanite ne fait pas parler.]