Vanity bids all her sons be brave, and all her daughters chaste and courteous

Vanity bids all her sons be brave, and all her daughters chaste and courteous

Laurence Sterne, the renowned 18th-century novelist and clergyman, was known for his satirical and humorous works that often critiqued societal norms and values. One of his most famous works, "The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman," is a prime example of his wit and insight into human nature. In this context, the quote "Vanity bids all her sons be brave, and all her daughters chaste and courteous" can be seen as a commentary on the expectations and pressures placed on individuals by society.

Sterne was keenly aware of the ways in which vanity, or excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements, can influence people's behavior and attitudes. In the quote, he suggests that vanity compels men to be brave and women to be chaste and courteous in order to maintain a certain image or reputation. This reflects the gender roles and expectations of Sterne's time, where men were expected to be strong and courageous, while women were expected to be modest and polite.

However, Sterne's use of the word "bids" implies that these expectations are not necessarily natural or inherent, but rather imposed by external forces such as societal norms and values. By attributing these qualities to vanity, Sterne suggests that they are superficial and ultimately unfulfilling. In his works, Sterne often challenges conventional ideas of virtue and morality, questioning the validity of societal expectations and encouraging his readers to think critically about the values they hold.