There are many sham diamonds in this life which pass for real, and vice versa.
William Makepeace ThackerayRead
All is vanity, nothing is fair.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that life is often superficial and unfair, highlighting the futility in the pursuit of external validation.
Thackeray's quote 'All is vanity, nothing is fair' underscores the philosophical belief that many human pursuits and societal values are ultimately hollow. It reflects a critical viewpoint on the nature of existence, suggesting that what we consider important often lacks genuine value, and that the world operates without a just framework. The statement encourages reflection on the absurdities of life and the often illusory pursuits of success and fairness.
Themes
VanityFairnessLifeExistenceSuperficiality
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the meaning of life, this quote can highlight the futility of material pursuits.
More from William Makepeace Thackeray
All quotes βThere'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
Similar quotes
The standpoint of the man who relies on religious experience for capturing Reality must always remain individual and incommunicable.
Muhammad IqbalRead
That man is truly humble who neither claims any personal merit in the sight of God, nor proudly despises brethren, or aims at being thought superior to them, but reckons it enough that he is one of the members of Christ, and desires nothing more than that the Head alone should be exalted.
John CalvinRead
The truth is how you say it, and to be 'one's self' is the most shocking custom of all.
Djuna BarnesRead
People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances.
George Bernard ShawRead
He look'd in years, yet in his years were seen A youthful vigor, and autumnal green.
John DrydenRead
It may be that the human race is not ready for freedom. The air of liberty may be too rarefied for us to breathe... The paradox seems to be, as Socrates demonstrated long ago, that the truly free individual is free only to the extent of his own self-mastery. While those who will not govern themselves are condemned to find masters to govern over them.
Steven PressfieldRead