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.

I loathe narcissism, but I approve of vanity.

I loathe narcissism, but I approve of vanity.

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.

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.

And not a vanity is given in vain.

And not a vanity is given in vain.

I'm not the greatest; I'm the double greatest. Not only do I knock 'em out, I pick the round.

I'm not the greatest; I'm the double greatest. Not only do I knock 'em out, I pick the round.

Vanity as an impulse has without doubt been of far more benefit to civilization than modesty has ever been.

Vanity as an impulse has without doubt been of far more benefit to civilization than modesty has ever been.

One will rarely err if extreme actions be ascribed to vanity, ordinary actions to habit, and mean actions to fear.

One will rarely err if extreme actions be ascribed to vanity, ordinary actions to habit, and mean actions to fear.

I think I may boast myself to be, with all possible vanity, the most unlearned and uninformed female who ever read more

I think I may boast myself to be, with all possible vanity, the most unlearned and uninformed female who ever dared to be an authoress.