The common practice of keeping up appearances with society is a mere selfish struggle of the vain with the vain.

The common practice of keeping up appearances with society is a mere selfish struggle of the vain with the vain.

I loathe narcissism, but I approve of vanity.

I loathe narcissism, but I approve of vanity.

Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all
is vanity.

Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all
is vanity.

How many saucy airs we meet,
From Temple Bar to Aldgate street!

How many saucy airs we meet,
From Temple Bar to Aldgate street!

Methinks I am a prophet new inspired
And thus, expiring, do foretell of him:
His rash fierce read more

Methinks I am a prophet new inspired
And thus, expiring, do foretell of him:
His rash fierce blaze of riot cannot last,
For violent fires soon burn out themselves;
Small show'rs last long, but sudden storms are short;
He tires betimes that spurs too fast betimes;
With eager feeding doth choke the feeder;
Light vanity, insatiate cormorant,
Consuming means, soon preys upon itself.

Self-love is the greatest of all flatterers.

Self-love is the greatest of all flatterers.

Self-love seems so often unrequited.

Self-love seems so often unrequited.

What is your sex's earliest, latest care,
Your heart's supreme ambition? To be fair.

What is your sex's earliest, latest care,
Your heart's supreme ambition? To be fair.

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.