One sticks to an opinion because he prides himself on having come to it on his own, and another because he has taken great pains to learn it and is proud to have grasped it: and so both do so out of vanity.

Summary

This quote highlights the role of vanity in people's attachment to their opinions. It suggests that individuals may adhere to their beliefs out of personal pride, regardless of how they have formed them. Whether it be holding onto an opinion based on independent thinking or due to diligent learning, this attachment is driven by vanity. The quote implies that vanity often underlies people's reluctance to change their opinions, motivating them to maintain their sense of intellectual accomplishment or independence.

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