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.

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.

If a person is to get the meaning of life he must learn to like the facts about himself -- read more

If a person is to get the meaning of life he must learn to like the facts about himself -- ugly as they may seem to his sentimental vanity -- before he can learn the truth behind the facts. And the truth is never ugly.

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

Where doth the world thrust forth a vanity
(So it be new, there's no respect how vile)
read more

Where doth the world thrust forth a vanity
(So it be new, there's no respect how vile)
That is not quickly buzzed into his ears?

And not a vanity is given in vain.

And not a vanity is given in vain.

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.]

Stupidity talks, vanity acts.

Stupidity talks, vanity acts.

Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is
as nothing before thee: verily every read more

Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is
as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is
altogether vanity. Selah.