The article 'Vanity, divine treasure' delves into the effects of vanity on political conduct, particularly spotlighting Gildo Insfrán, the long-standing governor of Formosa, Argentina. It recounts a public meeting where some school children addressed Insfrán informally as 'uncle Gildo' and asked a pointed question regarding whether they would receive their school supplies as usual. This interaction illustrates a sense of expectation and dependency that reflects the ongoing influence of political patronage in the region.

The piece critiques how entrenched political figures like Insfrán may neglect genuine engagement with the public, prioritizing their own image over substantive governance. The author suggests that vanity can cloud judgment and inhibit effective political orientation, posing a risk to institutional integrity. This is particularly salient in a context where political indoctrination in schools is prevalent, as highlighted by the author's reference to the indoctrination of Peronism in educational settings.

The implications of this vanity tainting political leaders extend beyond personal image and impact broader societal perceptions of government and public service. By sharing these anecdotes, the author invites readers to reflect critically on the nature of their political leadership and the cyclical consequences of such behaviors on future civic engagement and maturity of political discourse in Argentina.