Animal Quote by Leonardo da Vinci
“As regards this vice, we read that the peacock is more guilty of it than any other animal. For it is always contemplating the beauty of its tail, which it spreads in the form of a wheel, and by its cries attracts to itself the gaze of the creatures that surround it. And this is the last vice to be conquered.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Treatise on the Human Body, 1490
Obsessing over appearance distracts from deeper virtues, making vanity a persistent flaw.
In simple terms: Focusing on looks hinders moral growth.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate inner qualities over external show.
Themes
vanity
self‑image
humility
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- social media
- career advancement
- personal relationships
- public speaking
Key Concepts
ego
self‑awareness
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your self‑image affect your decisions?
- What steps can you take to balance appearance and substance?
A Different Perspective
External validation can be empowering in some contexts.
![“How come it can’t fly no better than a chicken?’ Milkman asked. Too much tail. All that jewelry weighs it down. Like vanity. Can’t nobody fly with all that [stuff]. Wanna fly, you got to give up the [stuff] that weighs you down.’ The peacock jumped onto the hood of the Buick and once more spread…” quote by Toni Morrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4bf/toni-morrison-271_chickens_how-come-it-can-t-fly-no-better-than-a-c_1384733.jpg)
