The greater part of mankind judge of men only by their fashionableness or their fortune.
This quote suggests that most people evaluate others based on their appearances, their popularity, or their wealth, rather than their character, intelligence, or other intrinsic qualities. It’s a commentary on the superficial nature of societal judgments, highlighting how easily we are swayed by external factors, often neglecting the essence of a person.
"Fashionableness" refers to how well someone fits into the current trends or social norms. It’s about being in vogue, or popular. People often equate being fashionable with being socially acceptable or desirable. This aspect of judgment can be seen in the way we often unconsciously favor people who dress well, look attractive, or conform to the societal standards of beauty and style.
"Fortune" refers to wealth or financial status. The quote points out that people often judge others based on their material possessions or their financial success. This is evident in the way society often respects and admires wealthy individuals, attributing to them qualities like intelligence, capability, or even moral superiority, without knowing anything about their personal character or values.
The quote is a critique of these superficial judgments. It suggests that we should strive to look beyond appearances and wealth, to understand the true nature of a person.
In today’s world, this quote is as relevant as ever. We live in an age of social media where appearances and material wealth are often highlighted and glorified. We judge people based on their online profiles, their photos, their followers, and their apparent lifestyle. This can lead to a distorted perception of others, as well as a distorted perception of self-worth.
In terms of personal development, this quote can serve as a reminder to focus on developing intrinsic qualities such as character, integrity, kindness, and intelligence, rather than obsessing over appearances or wealth. It also reminds us to judge others based on these intrinsic qualities, rather than their fashionableness or fortune. This shift in focus can lead to more authentic relationships, a healthier self-image, and a more fulfilling life.
