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All is vanity, nothing is fair.
William Makepeace Thackeray
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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.

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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.
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The moral world has no particular objection to vice, but an insuperable repugnance to hearing vice called by its proper name.
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