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Human vanity is so constituted that it stiffens before…

“Human vanity is so constituted that it stiffens before difficulties. The more an object conceals itself from our eyes, the greater the effort we make to seize it, because it pricks our pride, it excites our curiosity and it appears interesting. In fighting for his God everyone, in fact, fights…” quote by Percy Bysshe Shelley
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“Human vanity is so constituted that it stiffens before difficulties. The more an object conceals itself from our eyes, the greater the effort we make to seize it, because it pricks our pride, it excites our curiosity and it appears interesting. In fighting for his God everyone, in fact, fights only for the interest of his own vanity, which, of all the passions produced bye the mal-organization of society, is the quickest to take offense, and the most capable of committing the greatest follies.”

Percy Bysshe Shelley

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Vanity drives people to chase hidden objects, fueling pride, curiosity, and folly.

In simple terms: Pride makes us chase what we can’t see.

Key Takeaway

Beware pride vanity’s blind pursuit.

Themes

vanity pride curiosity human nature folly

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal ambition
  • political movements
  • consumer behavior

Key Concepts

psychology social critique philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives your hidden ambitions?
  • Can pride be channeled constructively?
A Different Perspective

Vanity can be harnessed for positive goals if redirected.

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