Fashion is the science of appearances, and it inspires one with the desire to seem rather than to be.
Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- He defines fashion as prioritizing how we appear over who we truly are.
- In plain terms
- Fashion makes us care more about looking good than being good.
- What can you take from it?
- Focus on substance rather than style.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Are you dressing for you or for others?
- Is it okay to care about looks?
Another view
Appearance matters for social signals and professional first impressions.
More from Michel de Montaigne
Fortune, seeing that she could not make fools wise, has made them lucky.
Permalink to quote #71 Fame and tranquility can never be bedfellows.
Permalink to quote #68 Hath God obliged himself not to exceed the bounds of our knowledge?
Permalink to quote #72
Related quotes
I want to be a Mrs. Kenny Rogers kind of woman. You know... the kind of lady he sings about: 'Oh Lady, I was just scum in the sewer until you came along and ma…
Kathy NajimyKathy Najimy quote #3 Having an interest in clothes is a sign of vanity and English men don't like to be seen to be vain. That's what is so fantastic about this format, it gives men…
Trinny WoodallTrinny Woodall quote #4 Appearance too often takes the place of reality - the stamp of the coin is there, and the glitter of the gold, but, after all, it is but a worthless wash. Sham…
William Jennings BryanWilliam Jennings Bryan quote #9