--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Every man's vanity ought to be his…" description: "\"Every man's vanity ought to be his greatest shame; and every man's folly ought to be his greatest secret.\" — Francis Quarles" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea9/francis-quarles-1740_every-man_every-man-s-vanity-ought-to-be-his-great_529236.png" --- # Every man's vanity ought to be his greatest shame; and… ![“Every man's vanity ought to be his greatest shame; and every man's folly ought to be his greatest secret.” quote by Francis Quarles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea9/francis-quarles-1740_every-man_every-man-s-vanity-ought-to-be-his-great_529236.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea9/francis-quarles-1740_every-man_every-man-s-vanity-ought-to-be-his-great_529236.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea9/francis-quarles-1740_every-man_every-man-s-vanity-ought-to-be-his-great_529236.png) > “Every man's vanity ought to be his greatest shame; and every man's folly ought to be his greatest secret.” [Francis Quarles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francis-quarles/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Vanity and folly are presented as personal failures; they should be recognized as sources of shame and secrecy. **In simple terms:** Pride and foolishness are shameful secrets. Key Takeaway Guard against pride. Themes vanity folly shame secrecy Mood thoughtful serious Type poetic ethical When to use this quote - personal reflection - ethical teaching - self‑improvement Key Concepts moral philosophy self‑awareness Questions to Reflect On - What hidden follies do we hide? - How can we transform shame into growth? 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