Air Quote by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
“The air of fashion, which many young people are so eager to attain, always strikes me like the studied attitudes of some modern prints, copied with tasteless servility after the antigue; the soul is left out, and none of the parts are tied together by what may properly be termed character.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Female of the Species, 1818
Fashion often mimics superficial trends without authentic personal identity, resulting in a hollow appearance lacking true character.
In simple terms: Fashion can be shallow without genuine self‑expression.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate personal style rooted in character.
Themes
authenticity
identity
fashion
character
Mood
reflective
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- personal branding
- wardrobe choices
- social media presence
- career image
- artistic design
Key Concepts
self‑expression
social conformity
consumer culture
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal character influence your style choices?
- Can fashion reflect deeper values?
A Different Perspective
May be dismissed as elitist or irrelevant to everyday life.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)
