QuoteProject
Fashion condemns us to many follies, the greatest is to make oneself its slave.
Napoleon Bonaparte
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that adhering too closely to fashion trends can lead to foolishness, ultimately making one a slave to external expectations.

Napoleon Bonaparte's quote highlights the pitfalls of excessive preoccupation with fashion, which can compel individuals to conform to fleeting trends at the expense of their individuality and personal values. By labeling this obsession as a 'folly,' he warns that the greatest folly lies in allowing fashion to dictate one's identity and choices, thus becoming a 'slave' to the whims of style rather than embracing one's authentic self.

Themes

FashionIndividualityIdentityTrendsChoices

In practice

Example use cases

During a fashion seminar, to emphasize the importance of self-identity over trends.

More from Napoleon Bonaparte

History is a myth that men agree to believe.
Napoleon BonaparteRead
One must indeed be ignorant of the methods of genius to suppose that it allows itself to be cramped by forms. Forms are for mediocrity, and it is fortunate that mediocrity can act only according to routine. Ability takes its flight unhindered.
Napoleon BonaparteRead
One can lead a nation only by helping it see a bright outlook. A leader is a dealer in hope.
Napoleon BonaparteRead
We must laugh at man to avoid crying for him.
Napoleon BonaparteRead
Ten people who speak make more noise than ten thousand who are silent.
Napoleon BonaparteRead
It is my wish that my ashes may repose on the banks of the Seine, in the midst of the French people, whom I have loved so well.
Napoleon BonaparteRead

Similar quotes

Many faux pas of fashion can be avoided if you curb your instinctive desire to buy things with your heart instead of your head.
Edith HeadRead
Go out there and try on everything - short skirts, long skirts, mid length, little jackets, men's clothing - and really look at yourself; really walk around in the clothes. Don't just take someone else's advice. You must feel you in these clothes and feel what it's like to live in them.
Charlotte RamplingRead
I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.
Coco ChanelRead
If fashion is for everyone, is it fashion? The answer goes far beyond the collections and relates to the speed of fast fashion. There is no longer a time gap between when a small segment of fashion-conscious people pick up a trend and when it is all over the sidewalks.
Suzy MenkesRead
All it takes are a few simple outfits. And there's one secret - The Simpler The Better
Cary GrantRead
I used to look back at pictures and cringe but actually I'm quite proud that I've had fun with fashion and don't always look perfect. The only regret I have is when I look at something I wore when I was very young and it obviously looks like it belonged to someone else.
Emma WatsonRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.