B2 – Upper Intermediate
Vanity is a part of what makes us human. From dressing up elegantly to behaving well above standards, we strive to live up to expectations in order to be perceived in a certain way. It has always been viewed negatively. However, some philosophers think that there can be no morality and no society without vanity.
Let’s watch the video and know the different perspectives on the presence of vanity in our society.
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0jn44z8/you-re-so-vain-but-here-s-why-that-s-a-good-thing
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “to sneer at someone” mean? “We sneer at people who think of themselves too highly.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does “praise-worthiness” mean? “We want not only praise but praise-worthiness.“ Use it in your own sentence and give two synonyms.
- What does the idiom “to be in a Hall of Mirrors” mean? “Rousseau thought that vanity leads us to care about status more than morality. It makes us worry about the mask and not the face beneath. His vanity leaves us all living in a Hall of Mirrors.” Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- How do you define vanity?
- How does vanity allow the society to function?
- Discuss two types of self-love mentioned in the video.
- When is it beneficial to be living only in the opinion of others? When is it harmful?
- How is vanity considered one of the modern vices? Do you agree with it?
- Share your thoughts on Jean Jacques Rousseau’s belief that, “We only really became modern humans when we became vain.“?
- What are your insights on this, “Vanity is the source of our sociability and morality.“?
2 replies on “Being Vain Is a Good Thing”
How do you define vanity? It is the emphasis we place on our physical appearance or on how the others perceive us.
How does vanity allow the society to function? According to the article, vanity is necessary for social interaction and morality. If we didn’t care about our image at all, we wouldn’t care about others either.
Discuss two types of self-love mentioned in the video. On the one hand, they talk about the amour de soi, which is the natural worry about your own survival. An on the other hand, the amour propre is the need to shine in the eyes of others.
When is it beneficial to be living only in the opinion of others? When is it harmful? It is beneficial as long as it encourages someone to become a better person. The idea or projecting an image of being generous forces us to be genuinely generous. On the contrary, focusing too much on the image or “the mask” we are wearing might be harmful if we prioritise the image over the essence of who we really are.
How is vanity considered one of the modern vices? Do you agree with it? THe article claims that vanity is something relatively modern because in prehistorical times, when life was about surviving, what others thought of you was completely secondary. I agree with this statement; it is only after our first need to be fed is met, that we seek other other secondary needs, like to be approved or to be loved by others.
Share your thoughts on Jean Jacques Rousseau’s belief that, “We only really became modern humans when we became vain.“? In my opinion, Rousseau’s point of view is a bit pessimistic and very radical. He stresses too much the importance of comparison. I suppose that during Rousseau’s time social pressure and people’s status were much more important than what they are now. In the current times, the standard of living is much better than before and we value comfort and self fulfillment more.
What are your insights on this, “Vanity is the source of our sociability and morality.“? I think it is right up to a certain extent. It might be the source of our morality because we need interaction with others. Looking after one’s image can also be a sign or respect and considaration towards other people. However, morality goes much farther than the opinion others might have of you. A righteous and wholesome person will always do the right thing, even when nobody is looking.
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