There are many sham diamonds in this life which pass for real, and vice versa.
William Makepeace ThackerayRead
A woman may possess the wisdom and chastity of Minerva, and we give no heed to her, if she has a plain face. What folly will not a pair of bright eyes make pardonable? What dullness may not red lips are sweet accents render pleasant? And so, with their usual sense of justice, ladies argue that because a woman is handsome, therefore she is a fool. O ladies, ladies! there are some of you who are neither handsome nor wise.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote critiques society's tendency to judge women based on their appearance rather than their intellect or virtue.
Thackeray's quote highlights the irony of how women's wisdom and chastity are overlooked in favor of physical beauty. He ironically mocks the superficial standards by which women are often assessed, suggesting that beauty can overshadow intelligence and that societal judgment is flawed. He ultimately calls attention to the misconceptions about the relationship between a woman's attractiveness and her capabilities.
Themes
WisdomBeautyJudgmentSocietyFeminism
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about beauty standards, this quote could be used to emphasize the need for valuing intelligence over appearance.
More from William Makepeace Thackeray
All quotes →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
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