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About this quote

What does it mean?
Vanity is often about self-importance, but seeking fame is its highest form. It shows how external validation can dominate personal worth.
In plain terms
Wanting to be famous is the ultimate form of vanity.
What can you take from it?
Seeking fame often signals deep vanity.

Where it applies

  • social media use
  • career goals
  • self-reflection

Putting it to work

  • focus on work
  • limit public seeking
  • reflect on motives

Questions to consider

  • Why do we want to be known?
  • What is the cost of fame?

Another view

Some fame comes from merit without personal vanity.

More from George Santayana

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  2. The human race, in its intellectual life, is organized like the bees: the masculine soul is a worker, sexually atrophied, and essentially dedicated to imperson…

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  3. Fanaticism consists in redoubling your efforts when you have forgotten your aim.

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