Beauty is but a vain and doubtful good; a shining gloss…
“Beauty is but a vain and doubtful good; a shining gloss that fadeth suddenly; a flower that dies when it begins to bud; a doubtful good, a gloss, a glass, a flower, lost, faded, broken, dead within an hour.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Beauty is fleeting and unreliable, like a fragile flower that withishes quickly, revealing its superficial nature.
In simple terms: Beauty is temporary and deceptive.
Key Takeaway
Recognize deeper values beyond appearances.
Themes
beauty
impermanence
illusion
vanity
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- art criticism
- self‑esteem
- media portrayal
Key Concepts
aesthetics
ephemerality
human perception
Questions to Reflect On
- What lasting qualities can we cultivate?
- How does society’s focus on appearance affect self‑worth?
A Different Perspective
Beauty can be manipulated for profit or power.