Adler, on vanity

ID: 432AA179-E9D2-4EF0-A45C-06B14D62308E

Vanity finds its fate within itself; its development is threatened by those logical objections that develop out of communal life. As such it is forced to hide itself. The vain individual doubts his ability to achieve the victories his vaity demands; and while he ponders and dreams, time flies. And when time has gone, he claims he never had the opportunity to show what he can do.

The particular individual seeks some privileged position, holds himself apart from the stream of life, and, standing apart, observes the rest of mankind with a certain mistrust because of which every fellow creature appears as an enemy. Vain people must assume positions of offense and defense.