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Aim Quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“The market-place, the eager love of gain, Whose aim is vanity, and whose end is pain!” quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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“The market-place, the eager love of gain, Whose aim is vanity, and whose end is pain!”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

About This Quote

Source Poem: “The Marketplace”, 1855

The pursuit of profit driven by vanity leads to pain.

In simple terms: Seeking gain for vanity ends in pain.

Key Takeaway

Pursue purpose, not vanity.

Themes

materialism vanity consequences

Mood

thoughtful reflective

Type

poetic moral

When to use this quote

  • investment decisions
  • career ambitions
  • consumer habits

Key Concepts

ethical economics philosophy of desire

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you align profit with purpose?
  • What values guide your pursuits?
A Different Perspective

Not all gain is selfish; context matters.

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