The vulgar crowd always is taken by appearances, and the world consists chiefly of the vulgar.
This quote is a commentary on human nature and societal structure. The term “vulgar crowd” refers to the masses or the common people. The suggestion here is that the majority of people tend to judge situations, events, or even other people based on what is immediately visible or apparent. They are swayed by the surface level appearances, rather than delving deeper to understand the underlying truths or realities. This could be due to a lack of critical thinking, lack of information or simply the ease of accepting what is readily perceivable.
The second part of the quote, “the world consists chiefly of the vulgar,” implies that these appearance-driven individuals make up the majority of the world’s population. This is a somewhat cynical view, suggesting that most people are superficial in their judgments and understandings.
Applying this idea to today’s world, one could argue that the rise of social media and the culture of ‘influencer’ lifestyle is a prime example of the ‘vulgar crowd’ being ‘taken by appearances’. People often present a curated, idealized version of their lives on these platforms, which can lead to others making judgments or comparisons based on these superficial appearances.
In terms of personal development, this quote may serve as a reminder to resist the temptation to judge based on appearances. It encourages critical thinking and the pursuit of deeper understanding, rather than accepting things at face value. It also suggests the importance of authenticity and substance over superficiality. Being aware of this human tendency can help in personal growth, as it prompts one to challenge their own biases and assumptions, and to strive for a more thoughtful and informed perspective.
