Every present occasion will catch the senses of the vain man; and with that bridle and saddle you may ride him

Every present occasion will catch the senses of the vain man; and with that bridle and saddle you may ride him

Sir Philip Sidney was a prominent figure in the Elizabethan era, known for his chivalrous demeanor and poetic prowess. His works, such as the sonnet sequence Astrophil and Stella, reflect his deep understanding of human nature and the complexities of love and desire. In his essay, "The Defence of Poesy," Sidney explores the power of poetry to shape and influence the minds and hearts of its readers.

The quote, "Every present occasion will catch the senses of the vain man; and with that bridle and saddle you may ride him," speaks to the vulnerability of the vain man to flattery and external influences. Sidney understood that vanity could be a powerful motivator, driving individuals to seek validation and approval from others. By appealing to a person's vanity, one could easily manipulate and control their actions and decisions.

In the context of Sidney's writings, the quote can be interpreted as a cautionary tale about the dangers of succumbing to vanity and allowing external influences to dictate one's behavior. The vain man, consumed by his own ego and desire for admiration, becomes a puppet in the hands of those who know how to stroke his ego and play to his insecurities.

Sidney believed that true greatness and virtue could only be achieved through self-awareness and a commitment to moral and ethical principles. The vain man, blinded by his own self-importance, is unable to see beyond his own desires and ambitions. He becomes a slave to his own vanity, easily swayed by flattery and empty promises.