I have had my share of vanity; for as a young man I was admired by women; and as a statue I am praised by art critics.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author contrasts vanity in youth based on female admiration with vanity in age based on critical acclaim.
- In plain terms
- I was vain when young because women liked me and now I am vain because critics praise me.
- What can you take from it?
- Sources of vanity change as one ages but the feeling remains.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do we seek validation from others?
- How does age change what we value?
Another view
The self-deprecating tone masks a deep reliance on external validation.
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