QuoteProject
There are many sham diamonds in this life which pass for real, and vice versa.
William Makepeace Thackeray
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that appearances can be deceptive, indicating that what seems valuable may not be genuine.

William Makepeace Thackeray's quote highlights the idea that life is full of illusions and deceptions, where things or people that may appear valuable and authentic could actually be fake, and conversely, some that seem ordinary may possess true worth. It encourages a deeper examination of what we perceive in our daily lives and relationships, prompting us to question the authenticity of our judgments based on surface appearances.

Themes

IllusionAppearanceDeceptionValueAuthenticity

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech about overcoming superficial judgments in relationships.

More from William Makepeace Thackeray

There's a great power of imagination about these little creatures, and a creative fancy and belief that is very curious to watch . . . I am sure that horrid matter-of-fact child-rearers . . . do away with the child's most beautiful privilege. I am determined that Anny shall have a very extensive and instructive store of learning in Tom Thumbs, Jack-the-Giant-Killers, etc.
William Makepeace ThackerayRead
When you look at me, when you think of me, I am in paradise.
William Makepeace ThackerayRead
And in those varieties of pain of which we spoke anon, what a part of confidante has that poor teapot played ever since the kindly plant was introduced among us! What myriads of women have cried over it, to be sure! What sickbeds it has smoked by! What fevered lips have received refreshment from out of it! Nature meant very gently by women when she made that teaplant; and with a little thought what a series of pictures and groups the fancy may conjure up and assemble round the teapot and cup!
William Makepeace ThackerayRead
The play is done; the curtain drops,_x000D_ _x000D_ Slow falling to the prompter's bell_x000D_ _x000D_ A moment yet the actor stops_x000D_ _x000D_ And looks around to say farewell.
William Makepeace ThackerayRead
The moral world has no particular objection to vice, but an insuperable repugnance to hearing vice called by its proper name.
William Makepeace ThackerayRead
it is the ordinary lot of people to have no friends if they themselves care for nobody
William Makepeace ThackerayRead

Similar quotes

Religion has very little to do with the number of babies per woman. All the religions in the world are fully [able] to maintain their values and adapt to this new world.
Hans RoslingRead
In a world wounded by conflicts, where violence is justified in God's name, it's important to repeat that religion can never become a vehicle of hatred, it can never be used in God's name to justify violence.
Pope Benedict XviRead
There's no question that O.J. Simpson had been a substitute white man in America. He had gained honorary white status. He was not viewed by many white Americans as black. He was not seen as the African American athlete who was rebellious: Jim Brown, Muhammad Ali, Hank Aaron... He was accepted in golf clubs that were very tony.
Michael Eric DysonRead
Our real journey in life is interior.
Thomas MertonRead
Awareness of the divine begins with wonder.
Abraham Joshua HeschelRead
Like and equal are not the same thing at all. -- Meg Murray
Madeleine L'EngleRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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