This quote suggests a paradoxical nature of vanity, showing how it can both aid and hinder individuals depending on their circumstances. For the successful man, vanity can serve as a motivating force, driving him to maintain or even surpass his current level of success. It can feed his self-confidence, ambition, and the image he presents to the world, thus reinforcing his success.

On the other hand, for the individual who has failed, vanity can lead to his downfall. This is because, in the face of failure, vanity can prevent the acceptance of defeat and the lessons it brings. It can create a barrier to self-reflection, growth, and improvement, because acknowledging failure could be seen as damaging to one’s self-image.

In the context of today’s world, this quote is particularly relevant. In our success-oriented and image-conscious society, vanity can often be a double-edged sword. For instance, in the realm of social media, vanity can drive individuals to present an image of success, thereby attracting opportunities and connections that can lead to actual success. However, the same vanity can also lead to a fear of failure, preventing individuals from taking risks or trying new things, ultimately hindering personal growth and development.

In terms of personal development, this quote suggests that while self-confidence and ambition are important, it’s equally crucial to maintain humility and a willingness to learn from failures. Success is not just about projecting an image of perfection, but also about acknowledging and growing from our imperfections. Vanity, therefore, should not prevent us from recognizing our failures and learning from them, but rather, it should motivate us to strive for better, without losing sight of our true selves.