Literary notes about VAINGLORY (AI summary)
Throughout literature, the word "vainglory" is employed with a rich variety of connotations, often carrying the notion of excessive vanity or boastfulness. In some contexts, it is defined in closely related terms to vanity and gasconade, underscoring its association with shallow self-promotion [1]. Moral and religious texts frequently denounce vainglory as not merely a character flaw but a genuine vice, one that can corrupt the heart and lead to downfall or divine punishment [2], [3]. At the same time, reflective works note that the pursuit of vainglory, whether in public display or subtle ambition, detracts from true humility and virtue [4], [5]. Dramatic literature even portrays characters whose tragic missteps are precipitated by their susceptibility to vainglory, emphasizing its enduring cautionary role within narratives of human frailty [6], [7].
- vainglory , n. vanity , boasting , gasconade.
— from Putnam's Word Book
A Practical Aid in Expressing Ideas Through the Use of an Exact and Varied Vocabulary by Louis A. (Louis Andrew) Flemming - There is in them no pure love of God, no desire to promote his glory; but only a certain carnal self-love and an insatiable thirst of vainglory.
— from True Christianity
A Treatise on Sincere Repentence, True Faith, the Holy Walk of the True Christian, Etc. by Johann Arndt - In performing their funerals, they show no state or vainglory.
— from Tacitus on Germany by Cornelius Tacitus - If it be vainglory for a man to publish his own virtues, why does not Cicero prefer the eloquence of Hortensius, and Hortensius that of Cicero?
— from Essays of Michel de Montaigne — Complete by Michel de Montaigne - Desire of praise, pride, vainglory, &c. Subs.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - The man’s undone for ever; for if Hector break not his neck i’ th’ combat, he’ll break’t himself in vainglory.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - "Now," said Ian Cameron, "he'll be mad wi' vainglory.
— from The Best Short Stories of 1917, and the Yearbook of the American Short Story