Pretty face Quote by William Makepeace Thackeray
““Very likely Miss Binny was right to a great extent. It is the pretty face which creates sympathy in the hearts of men, those wicked rogues. A woman may possess the wisdom and chastity of Minerva, and we give no heed to her, if she has a plain face. What folly will not a pair of bright eyes make pardonable? What dulness may not red lips and sweet accents render pleasant? And so, with their usual sense of justice, ladies argue that because a woman is handsome, therefore she is a fool. Oh, ladies, ladies! some there are of you who are neither handsome nor wise.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Vanity Fair, William Makepeace Thackeray, 1847
Physical attractiveness often skews judgment, leading society to overlook inner virtues in favor of outward beauty.
In simple terms: Looks can cloud judgment and value.
Key Takeaway
Beware superficial judgments.
Themes
beauty
judgment
gender
society
virtue
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- dating
- workplace hiring
- media representation
- political candidacy
Key Concepts
social bias
appearance vs. character
gender expectations
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you value inner qualities over appearance?
- What biases affect your decisions?
A Different Perspective
Attractiveness does not guarantee competence or wisdom.
