Why Vanity Rules Our Lives (and Always Has)

Why are we all so vain? From Ancient Rome to Versailles to Instagram, humans have always been obsessed with appearances. But vanity isn’t just about looking good — it’s about power, identity, and profit. In this video essay, we’ll explore the history of vanity and how self-obsession has shaped societies across time. From Roman bathhouses to Louis XIV’s court, from 1980s aerobics tapes to TikTok influencers, vanity has always been more than skin-deep. It’s a survival strategy, a form of rebellion, and today, a multi-billion-dollar industry. What you’ll learn in this video: How social media acts as our modern-day mirror Why vanity was political currency in Ancient Rome and Versailles How the beauty economy profits from insecurity The role of pop culture in mainstreaming vanity Whether vanity can be empowering — or if it always traps us in the mirror By the end, you might not look at an Instagram selfie — or a Renaissance portrait — the same way again. Subscribe for more deep dives into culture, history, and beauty: https://www.youtube.com/@Laurajaneatelier/videos If you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to like, comment, and share!