Gustave Flaubert: 'I have come to have the firm conviction that vanity is the basis of everything, and finally that what one calls conscience is only inner vanity.'

I have come to have the firm conviction that vanity is the basis of everything, and finally that what one calls conscience is only inner vanity.

In his thought-provoking quote, Gustave Flaubert delves into the intricate workings of human nature and challenges traditional notions of conscience. He boldly asserts that vanity serves as the foundation upon which everything is built, leading to the intriguing suggestion that what one commonly refers to as "conscience" is in reality nothing more than a manifestation of self-centeredness.At first glance, this claim might appear controversial and even somewhat unsettling. However, upon closer examination, one can uncover a deeper layer of truth within Flaubert's words. Vanity, often vilified as a negative and shallow quality, is, in fact, an innate part of the human experience. It is our desire to be seen, recognized, and admired by others that drives many of our actions and decisions. From seeking validation on social media to pursuing ambitious careers, the desire for recognition and the gratification of our vanity can be found at the core of our aspirations.Yet, what sets Flaubert's idea apart is his bold assertion that our conscience, commonly seen as a moral compass guiding our decisions, is not fundamentally driven by moral righteousness but by our own self-importance. This notion challenges the traditional view of conscience as a detached moral faculty designed to guide us towards what is right, suggesting that instead, it is merely a reflection of our own vanity.To explore this concept further, let us consider an unexpected philosophical perspective - existentialism. While seemingly disparate from Flaubert's focus on vanity, existentialism sheds light on the deeper motivations behind human actions and the nature of conscience. According to existential thinkers such as Søren Kierkegaard and Jean-Paul Sartre, humans are defined by their freedom of choice and responsibility. They argue that our choices shape our identity and that the pursuit of authenticity is central to our existence.When we connect this existential idea of authenticity to the notion of vanity, an intriguing parallel can be drawn. If vanity can be seen as the driving force behind our actions, then perhaps our search for authenticity is, in essence, the pursuit of aligning our choices with our profound sense of self. In this context, Flaubert's claim about vanity as the basis of everything can be understood as an acknowledgment of the interplay between our desire for recognition and our innate need to be true to ourselves.However, it is crucial to recognize that Flaubert's perspective should not be taken as an excuse for egotistical behavior or disregarding moral principles. Rather, it invites us to explore the complex interplay between our vanity and our conscience, allowing for a richer understanding of human motivation.In conclusion, Gustave Flaubert's thought-provoking quote challenges our conventional understanding of conscience and asserts that vanity is at the core of our being. While this perspective may appear unsettling at first, it highlights the deep-rooted desire for recognition and validation that drives many of our actions. By intertwining this idea with existentialism, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of human nature and the search for authenticity. Ultimately, Flaubert's quote serves as a catalyst for introspection, urging us to critically examine the motivations behind our choices and consider the intricate relationship between vanity and conscience.