Cerussite
How far would you go to look good? In centuries past, folks covered their faces in white powder that drove them mad, sickened them, and in some cases outright killed them. It’s said that some people refused to give up their makeup even as they lay dying. The source of this powder was cerussite, also known as white lead. In more recent times, white lead was added to paint to make rooms, furniture, and toys look more attractive, making it the leading cause of lead poisoning in children. Once we knew the harm it was causing, it still took a shockingly long time to pass laws against it, with some people fighting it every step of the way. It’s a perfect example of when someone cares more about appearance, status, and money than health, sanity, and life itself, their values are seriously out of whack. If cerussite is showing up for you now, it wants you to take a hard, honest look at your own values. If you’re living your life mainly to look good, raise your status, or impress people, you’re going to end up with some pretty serious regrets.
The Bottom Line
VANITY
“You may want to reassess your values.”
One Or More Of These Messages Are For You
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- Choosing your values is one of the most important decisions you will ever make, so it’s wise to be thoughtful and deliberate about it.
- Do the people around you value power, status, and appearance over kindness, goodness, and wisdom? If so, consider finding a new social circle.
- Never defer unquestioningly to other people’s values and opinions; check first to see if they align with your own.
- Often the most intimidating people with the largest followings are those who value status, money, and power above all else. It’s easy to be in awe of them, but it’s nothing more than a seductive illusion.
- Look beyond the surface: An imposing or attractive surface can mask a rotting interior.
- Focusing too much on looks or appearance is a good way to get miserable.
