Literary notes about Avarice (AI summary)
Literary uses of the term "avarice" extend far beyond a simple lust for wealth; it is often depicted as a corrosive force that darkens both character and society. Poetic language gives it a spectral quality—likened to a creeping mist that hides the sun ([1])—while historical narratives portray it as a fundamental defect corrupting personal virtue and undermining empires ([2], [3]). In many works, avarice is not only a personal failing but a societal malaise, a vice that motivates betrayal, engenders cruelty, and even fuels political ambition ([4], [5]). Whether expressed in allegorical verses or detailed historical accounts, the term consistently carries connotations of moral decay and the perilous allure of wealth that ultimately consumes its possessor ([6], [7]).
- At length corruption, like a general flood, Did deluge all; and avarice creeping on, Spread, like a low-born mist, and hid the sun.
— from Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds by Charles Mackay - His language is of the declamatory kind: but declamation could scarcely exaggerate the avarice and luxury of the Romans.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - In this transaction, the ambition and avarice of the popes have been severely condemned.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - The Father of a Family would often range himself under the Banners of Avarice , and the Son under those of Luxury .
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - His administration was only the art of satiating his avarice, and Zoe became a captive in the palace of her fathers, and in the hands of her slaves.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - Pale Avarice, With gloating eyes, And back and shoulders almost double bent, Was hugging close that fatal box
— from Poems by Victor Hugo - For example, after six months passed in the study of astronomy you like astronomy all the more, and after a year of avarice money is still sweeter.
— from On Love by Stendhal
