"I learned early on, having known the most handsome, successful, Gary Cooper, Clark Gable, Robert Taylor, don't ever spend too much time looking in the mirror"

In this quote, Robert Stack reflects on the lessons he obtained from his observations of Hollywood's the majority of iconic and seemingly successful figures: Gary Cooper, Clark Gable, and Robert Taylor. The people he mentions were not only known for their acting expertise but also for their striking excellent appearances and the aura of success they predicted both on and off the screen. By referencing these icons, Stack implicitly recognizes the attraction and pressure of promoting such a high standard of look and public expectation in the entertainment industry.

The phrase "don't ever spend excessive time searching in the mirror" serves as both literal recommendations and a metaphorical caution. On a surface level, it advises versus excessive vanity or self-obsession-- a common pitfall for those whose careers depend greatly on their physical appearance. In the attractive however often superficial world of Hollywood, people can end up being knotted in the pursuit of visual perfection, hence forgeting more considerable individual development or human connection.

Metaphorically, Stack's counsel suggests that a person need to defend against ending up being too soaked up in self-reflection or self-adulation to the point of egotism. It indicates the idea that while self-awareness is very important, an overemphasis on looks or on oneself can lead to a distorted sense of truth and self-worth. Such self-questioning can prevent people from engaging authentically with the world around them and from supporting qualities that really define character, such as humility, compassion, and stability.

Eventually, the quote encapsulates a more comprehensive commentary on identity and priorities. Robert Stack, through his mention of legendary figures, communicates that real success and satisfaction lie not in how one is perceived by others but in how one perceives oneself beyond the mirror's reflection, emphasizing compound over superficial allure. His insight motivates accepting one's inherent worth and cultivating virtues that add to a satisfying life, invulnerable to the short lived nature of external validation.