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Fashion is the science of appearance, and it inspires one with the desire to seem rather than to be.
Henry Fielding
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Fashion focuses on external appearance, often leading people to prioritize how they are perceived over their true selves.

This quote by Henry Fielding reflects the idea that fashion is not just about clothing but rather about the impression it creates. It suggests that fashion can inspire individuals to cultivate an image based on societal expectations, potentially overshadowing their authentic selves. The implication is that the desire to appear in a certain way can sometimes take precedence over genuine self-expression.

Themes

FashionAppearanceDesireIdentitySelf-Expression

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about the impact of social media on self-image.

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It is well known to all great men, that by conferring an obligation they do not always procure a friend, but are certain of creating many enemies.
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It is not enough that your designs, nay that your actions, are intrinsically good, you must take care they shall appear so.
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Let no man be sorry he has done good, because others concerned with him have done evil! If a man has acted right, he has done well, though along; if wrong, the sanction of all mankind will not justify him.
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A newspaper consists of just the same number of words, whether there be any news in it or not.
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He grew weary of this condescension, and began to treat the opinions of his wife with that haughtiuess and insolence, which none but those who deserve some contempt themselves can bestow, and those only who deserve no contempt can bear.
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Now in reality, the world has paid too great a compliment to critics, and has imagined them to be men of much greater profundity than they really are.
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