There are many sham diamonds in this life which pass for real, and vice versa.
William Makepeace ThackerayRead
Novelty has charms that our minds can hardly withstand.
Interpretation
Novel experiences are captivating and can be difficult to resist.
This quote by Thackeray suggests that new and unique experiences have an irresistible appeal to the human mind. It reflects on the fascination and allure that novelty brings, highlighting how it can be both exciting and overwhelming.
In practice
This quote can be shared in a discussion about the importance of trying new things in life.
There are many sham diamonds in this life which pass for real, and vice versa.
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.
When you look at me, when you think of me, I am in paradise.
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!
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.
The moral world has no particular objection to vice, but an insuperable repugnance to hearing vice called by its proper name.
We ought not to be embarrassed of appreciating the truth and of obtaining it wherever it comes from, even if it comes from races distant and nations different from us. Nothing should be dearer to the seeker of truth than the truth itself, and there is no deterioration of the truth, nor belittling either of one who speaks it or conveys it
What we learn from History is that no one learns from History
I hate luxury. I exercise moderation…It will be easy to forget your vision and purpose one you have fine clothes, fast horses and beautiful women. [In which case], you will be no better than a slave, and you will surely lose everything.
As long as one is following the right way, one should never be concerned about the reproaches of those who like to find faults.
We are all of us failures - at least, the best of us are.
In the fields of observation chance favors only those minds which are prepared.
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