Though beauty gives you a weird sense of entitlement, it's rather frightening and threatening to have others ascribe such importance to something you know you're just renting for a while.

The quote by Candice Bergen, "Though beauty gives you a weird sense of entitlement, it's rather frightening and threatening to have others ascribe such importance to something you know you're just renting for a while," delves into the fleeting and ephemeral nature of beauty. Bergen, an actress known for her reflections on fame and self-image, is pointing out the discomfort that comes with the societal emphasis placed on physical attractiveness. She suggests that beauty can create a sense of entitlement, where one may feel a sense of power or privilege based on external appearance.

However, Bergen highlights the fragility of this entitlement, acknowledging that beauty is not something permanent. The idea of renting beauty implies that it is temporary, a trait that will eventually fade over time, regardless of how much society may elevate it. This impermanence can be unsettling, as the world’s admiration for one's looks is often conditional and tied to something that is beyond one's control.

The quote also touches on the pressure and expectations placed on individuals, particularly women, to maintain beauty as a central aspect of their identity. Bergen points out that the constant validation from others based on superficial standards can feel both frightening and threatening. The fear lies in the realization that the value placed on appearance is not reflective of one’s true worth but is instead dependent on an external, temporary quality.

Ultimately, Bergen's quote encourages a deeper understanding of self-worth beyond physical appearance. She critiques the societal obsession with beauty and underscores the importance of recognizing that true value comes from internal qualities, not the fleeting and unpredictable nature of beauty.