The great secret of education is to direct vanity to proper objects.

This quote suggests that the key to effective education lies in properly channeling one’s vanity or self-esteem. Vanity, in this context, does not necessarily mean excessive pride in one’s appearance, but rather a sense of self-worth or self-esteem. The idea is that if we can direct our self-esteem towards the right things – namely, the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth – we can greatly enhance our learning experience.

The ‘proper objects’ referred to in this quote could be seen as the valuable skills, knowledge, or virtues that one should strive to attain. These might include critical thinking, empathy, creativity, resilience, or a passion for lifelong learning. By directing our vanity towards these ‘proper objects’, we essentially motivate ourselves to learn and grow, not for the sake of impressing others or boosting our ego, but for the sake of personal fulfillment and self-improvement.

In today’s world, this idea is still very much applicable. In the context of education, teachers could encourage students to take pride in their ability to learn and grow, rather than just focusing on grades or external achievements. This could help to foster a love of learning and a growth mindset, which are crucial for success in the 21st century.

In terms of personal development, this quote reminds us to focus our self-esteem on the things that truly matter. Instead of seeking validation from external sources, we should take pride in our personal growth, our ability to overcome challenges, and our commitment to becoming the best version of ourselves. This shift in mindset could greatly enhance our motivation, resilience, and overall well-being.