Honor
‹ 1 · Outline · 3 ›
2.The love of fame and praise as a human passion
2a.The universal craving for esteem and admiration
Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22
- p. 10–11Telemachus's journey will win him good report among men.read · scan
- p. 33–34Athene prays for renown for Nestor and his sons and repays the hecatomb with favor.read · scan
- p. 34–35Telemachus goes that he may be well spoken of among men.read · scan
- p. 42Nestor asks Athene for goodly fame for himself, his sons and his wife.read · scan
Aeschylus, AgamemnonVol. 8
- p. 36Chorus wants neither fulsome praise nor stinting of gratitude to the king.read · scan
Sophocles, AntigoneVol. 8
- p. 267Antigone says burying her brother gives her highest glory; Creon calls it shameful.read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, Letters of CiceroVol. 9
- p. 161–163Caesar's desire for praise and regard for the friend's reputation are expected to move him.read · scan
Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13
- p. 305The youth is too fond of fame and must be kept from fight.read · scan
Plutarch, CiceroVol. 12
- p. 221Cicero's desire for fame drives him; excess love of praise interferes with his wisest resolutions.read · scan
- p. 255–256Cicero's temper cannot resist honor; Caesar is called desirous only of name and glory.read · scan
Pliny the Younger, Letters of PlinyVol. 9
- p. 258Pliny values that his wife cares for his honour and glory, which time does not impair.read · scan
Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7
- p. 20Fame of eloquence and praise of those he wished to please drove him.read · scan
- p. 55–56Praise and fame of learning win love and admiration for a man he never met.read · scan
Miguel de Cervantes, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, Part IVol. 14
- p. 447Quixote is proud of Sancho's defence and plans to dub him knight.read · scan
Sir Walter Raleigh, Preface to the History of the WorldVol. 39
- p. 89–90Riches are gathered chiefly to obtain honor, the mark all men shoot at.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise RegainedVol. 4
- p. 359He wins admiration in the Temple, yet his spirit aspires to heroic deeds.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48
- p. 60We crave fame even from posterity yet are content with five or six neighbours' esteem; all, even philosophers, want admirers.read · scan
- p. 60–61Glory, esteem and a lasting name move us, even to lose our life with joy if people talk of it.read · scan
- p. 61–62The charm of fame is so great that men love even death when attached to it.read · scan
- p. 79–80Depending on others' esteem shows we prize it above truth.read · scan
- p. 129–130We cannot endure being despised; happiness consists in esteem.read · scan
- p. 130–131Brutes do not admire each other, unlike men who seek glory.read · scan
- p. 154Philosophers desire to be loved and admired by men, seeking esteem.read · scan
William Penn, More Fruits of SolitudeVol. 1
- p. 382Praise is a passion to be watched: give it sincerely and measured, avoiding flattery or envious stinginess.read · scan
Benjamin Franklin, His AutobiographyVol. 1
- p. 47–48Franklin is flattered by the company's admiration of his swimming.read · scan
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, A Discourse upon the Origin and the Foundation of the Inequality among MankindVol. 34
- p. 223Universal desire for reputation and honors breeds rivalry and enmity, source of both our virtues and vices.read · scan
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Profession of Faith of a Savoyard VicarVol. 34
- p. 242Philosophers seek fame and distinction from the vulgar, willing to deceive mankind to increase their reputation.read · scan
Edmund Burke, A Philosophical Inquiry into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and BeautifulVol. 24
- p. 43–44Men seek distinction, even supremacy in misery, and enjoy raised opinion of themselves.read · scan
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Hermann and DorotheaVol. 19
- p. 352–353Father says Hermann lacks a feeling of honor and the wish to raise himself in others' sight.read · scan
- p. 360–362Hermann speaks of a feeling of honor and wish to raise himself higher.read · scan
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Introduction to the PropyläenVol. 39
- p. 253–254The author's desire for approval is an impulse of Nature drawing him higher, though public favor may come by fortune.read · scan
Friedrich Schiller, William TellVol. 26
- p. 406Rudenz craves renown and martial glory abroad and resents being taunted as a 'Peasant Noble'.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 106–107Rodrigo's spirit revived by memory of salutations and his cousin's rallying, overcoming remorse; reputation drives him.read · scan
Thomas Carlyle, Sir Walter ScottVol. 25
- p. 393Men instinctively crowd to look at the distinguished and desire to become distinguished themselves, as at hangings and lion-soirees.read · scan
- p. 394The tendency to look at the famous drives ambition and holds society together, though it often mistakes a scoured tankard for a sun.read · scan
- p. 432–433Abbotsford swarms with visitors drawn by Scott's fame; Carlyle calls them flesh-flies attracted to any taint of human glory.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, The American ScholarVol. 5
- p. 18The poor rejoice in the glory of their chief, casting their own dignity upon a hero.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, CompensationVol. 5
- p. 90–91Men seek to be great, with offices, wealth, power and fame, wanting only one side of it.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, PoliticsVol. 5
- p. 248Ambitious men seek office and talent as apology for lacking real worth, to vindicate manhood in others' eyes.read · scan
Alfred, Lord Tennyson, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 986Bedivere reasons that keeping the sword would win reverence and fame, and that casting it away would lose them.read · scan
John Ruskin, Sesame and LiliesVol. 28
- p. 93–94Advancement in life means being conspicuous and applauded; the love of praise drives the greatest human efforts.read · scan
- p. 95Love of praise is taken as the strongest motive in seeking advancement.read · scan
Walter Bagehot, John MiltonVol. 28
- p. 173–174The noblest dispositions seek the reward of praise and esteem; self-reverence tinged with self-respect.read · scan
2b.Rivalry, emulation and competition for distinction
See also: Diversion 7a
Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22
- p. 101–102The Phaeacians hold games so the stranger may report their excellence to his friends at home.read · scan
- p. 102–103Laodamas says a man has no greater glory in life than that won by hand and foot.read · scan
- p. 105Alcinous calms Odysseus by affirming his excellence and asks that he report Phaeacian prowess at home.read · scan
Aeschylus, The FuriesVol. 8
- p. 152–154Apollo and the Furies stake honor on the vote: lost honour or wider sway.read · scan
Herodotus, An Account of EgyptVol. 33
- p. 67–68Asychis wants to surpass earlier kings with a brick pyramid whose inscription boasts it excels stone ones.read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, On FriendshipVol. 9
- p. 21–22Rivalry for office and reputation turns the best friends into enemies.read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, Letters of CiceroVol. 9
- p. 81He seeks popularity and the favour of the nobility and voters as necessary to his election.read · scan
Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13
- p. 178Games with prizes for victors and glory for the gods' and Anchises' name.read · scan
- p. 178Prizes of laurel, gold and tripods are set out for the victors of the games.read · scan
- p. 178Competitors strive for victory and the crowd shouts for favorites.read · scan
- p. 178Rowers strain for glory and the victor's prize; crews grudge lost praise, and Cloanthus is crowned and rewarded before the crowd.read · scan
- p. 178Prizes are distributed by rank; runners are drawn by desire for honor and the prize.read · scan
- p. 178Acestes goads Entellus about his baffled honor and fame; Dares seeks glory and the prize.read · scan
- p. 178Entellus fights for martial fame and his lost prime; Acestes shames him for his baffled honor.read · scan
- p. 178Entellus is proud of his prize and prouder of his fame.read · scan
- p. 366Camilla and Turnus seek renown and fame in the coming danger, sharing toils and glory.read · scan
- p. 406Turnus is ashamed of easy fights and cheap success.read · scan
Luke, The Gospel According to LukeVol. 44
- p. 410–411Disciples contend over who is greatest.read · scan
Plutarch, ThemistoclesVol. 12
- p. 6–7Passion for glory kept him sleepless over Miltiades' trophy and drove his ambition for distinction.read · scan
Plutarch, PericlesVol. 12
- p. 46Pericles had a noble spirit bent on honor, incapable of cruel envy.read · scan
- p. 50Pericles, eager for distinction, founds a yearly musical contest and judges it.read · scan
- p. 50–52Pericles's proposal to have his own name inscribed on the buildings stirs the people's emulation of glory.read · scan
Plutarch, AristidesVol. 12
- p. 91Pausanias proposes the rescue as a point of emulation in valor and love of distinction.read · scan
Plutarch, AlcibiadesVol. 12
- p. 114Alcibiades' seven chariots and triple Olympic victory bring unmatched glory, celebrated by Euripides and by cities' gifts.read · scan
- p. 140He seeks glory before gods and men and reputation by escorting the procession against the enemy.read · scan
Plutarch, CoriolanusVol. 12
- p. 159–160Emulation and love of excellence in Marcius's leadership of young patricians.read · scan
Plutarch, DemosthenesVol. 12
- p. 192–193Both had a passion for distinction and rose from obscure beginnings to greatness.read · scan
- p. 194The boy emulated Callistratus' glory as the crowd courted and attended him.read · scan
- p. 194–195Tasting the honor and power gained from pleading, he ventured into public business.read · scan
- p. 205–206The Thebans, fired by emulation, chose the path of honor over fear.read · scan
Plutarch, CiceroVol. 12
- p. 218Cicero resolves to make the name Cicero more glorious than those of the Scauri and Catuli.read · scan
Plutarch, CaesarVol. 12
- p. 271–272Caesar wants to be first even among poor barbarians, weeps that Alexander achieved so much by his age, and gains the title of Imperator.read · scan
- p. 283Caesar is ambitious to be first to lead an army across the Rhine.read · scan
Epictetus, The Golden Sayings of EpictetusVol. 2
- p. 151Ambition for public position and name.read · scan
Tacitus, GermanyVol. 33
- p. 99–100Princes gain renown from numerous valiant followers, who compete for favour.read · scan
Pliny the Younger, Letters of PlinyVol. 9
- p. 231Pliny humbly calls himself an idler beside his uncle and urges emulation.read · scan
Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7
- p. 13Pride of victory in contests and esteem for those who give shows.read · scan
- p. 45He hunted popular praise, theatrical applause and poetic prizes.read · scan
- p. 46Refuses to win a theatrical prize by wizard's sacrifice.read · scan
The Story of the Volsungs and NiblungsVol. 49
- p. 257Sigi's pride is wounded that a thrall out-hunted him, prompting murder.read · scan
- p. 310–311Brynhild and Gudrun dispute which kings and heroes were foremost in deeds of fame; Sigurd is named greatest.read · scan
- p. 318–319They compare husbands' worth; Brynhild insists Sigurd's slaying of Fafnir outweighs Gunnar's might.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, PurgatoryVol. 20
- p. 242Forese is compared to a knight galloping out of ranks, eager to show prowess.read · scan
Jean Froissart, The Chronicles of FroissartVol. 35
- p. 88Scots fight with great desire of honour; knights strive to win the honour of the day and show knightly valour.read · scan
Niccolò Machiavelli, The PrinceVol. 36
- p. 78–79A new prince gains twofold glory by founding and strengthening a princedom; an inherited one loses double honor by losing it through folly.read · scan
Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31
- p. 34–35Lucagnolo and Cellini compete over profit and honour from their crafts.read · scan
- p. 41Lucagnolo's generous praise of the vase and request for friendship show recognition among fellow craftsmen.read · scan
- p. 60–61He says his greatest reward is rivalling so eminent an artist, and the success spurs his ambition to do well.read · scan
- p. 131He hopes a great masterpiece will win fame and annihilate his enemies.read · scan
- p. 180–181Cellini says competing with so able a master brings him greater glory.read · scan
- p. 261Cellini aspires to greater works and the king's patronage.read · scan
- p. 317–318Cellini scorns Bologna as lacking courage to contend with his own hands, depreciating him by copying antiques.read · scan
- p. 348Cellini's apprentices scheme to keep him away so they can be masters in his place.read · scan
- p. 362He claims fame from work for popes and King Francis and seeks to outdo ancient masters.read · scan
- p. 414He speaks of the crown of artistic glory won by Florence above anything since antiquity.read · scan
- p. 414Rivalry would spur Bandinello to work for his own credit; the patrons' glory depends on judging artists well.read · scan
- p. 414–417Artists' glory and the Duke's reputation as patron are tied to fair award; the Duke publicly praises Cellini.read · scan
- p. 417He seeks to win the palm and laurels by contending against the greatest master rather than lesser sculptors.read · scan
Miguel de Cervantes, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, Part IVol. 14
- p. 11–12Knights envy Quixote's peerless renown and eternal fame won for Dulcinea's sake.read · scan
- p. 19–20Quixote resolves to become a knight-errant for augmentation of his honour and eternal renown, imagining himself crowned emperor through valour.read · scan
- p. 55Quixote is angered that court knights bear away the glory of the tourney, a dishonor to the Peers.read · scan
- p. 149Don Quixote adopts a name like the knights of yore, to be known throughout the earth by their devices.read · scan
- p. 153He aims to obscure the fame of all past knights-errant and die worthy of Dulcinea.read · scan
- p. 211Don Quixote seeks eternal renown and fame by imitating Amadis of Gaul, the model knight.read · scan
- p. 226Amadis gained great fame as a lover without losing his wits.read · scan
- p. 292–293He weighs promised faith and the glory of the enterprise, crediting all his victories and fame to his lady.read · scan
- p. 295Many knights serving one lady redounds to her greater glory.read · scan
- p. 489Feats of knights fought for eternal fame; Quixote claims descent from famous fighters.read · scan
Francis Bacon, Preface to the Novum OrganumVol. 39
- p. 144–145Reverence due to the ancients remains undiminished, avoiding contest over excellence of wit.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4
- p. 108Satan wins high repute by daring the enterprise alone; peers extol him for despising his own safety.read · scan
- p. 155Satan cites honour and enlarged empire as reasons compelling his revenge.read · scan
- p. 204Satan pursues glory, choosing to dwell free if not reignread · scan
- p. 204Satan says they deserve liberty, honour, dominion, glory and renown.read · scan
- p. 261Satan craves sole glory among infernal powers for marring God's work.read · scan
John Milton, Samson AgonistesVol. 4
- p. 412Great men like Dionysius and Augustus sought fame as tragedians.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48
- p. 55Men play, solve problems, and capture towns only to boast of it and win others' regard.read · scan
John Dryden, Dedication of the AeneisVol. 13
- p. 57His ambition is to equal the best English poets and honor his country.read · scan
- p. 59–60Virgil's Fame grows as it goes; Entellus contends for honor, not the prize.read · scan
John Locke, Some Thoughts Concerning EducationVol. 37
- p. 159Disputers fear the disgrace of yielding, making victory their glory.read · scan
Voltaire, Letters on the EnglishVol. 34
- p. 126–127Rival claimants dispute the glory of inventing the calculus, the circulation of the blood and other discoveries.read · scan
- p. 155Glory, interest and stipend spur competitors for seats in the Paris Academy.read · scan
Samuel Johnson, Preface to the English DictionaryVol. 39
- p. 204–205Johnson devotes his dictionary to his country's honor and the glory of its authors, contesting philology with the continent.read · scan
Robert Burns, Poems and SongsVol. 6
- p. 362–363The Whistle is a prize of fame won by champions in drinking contests.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 54–56Ludovico is snubbed by the first men of the city and rivals them in show, earning enmity and ridicule.read · scan
Victor Hugo, Preface to CromwellVol. 39
- p. 361Scuderi appeals to the Academy about national renown and the reputation of French masters.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, MannersVol. 5
- p. 215–216Fashion's coveted honors and privileges torment the excluded ambitious.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, New England ReformersVol. 5
- p. 264–265Men seek honors and eminence to stand erect among their peers, yet the pure ambition prizes the society of superiors above laurels.read · scan
Hans Christian Andersen, TalesVol. 17
- p. 312–313The mother wants her young to show off before other stork families and win consideration.read · scan
- p. 345–346The household objects vie over who is grandest, prizing pride of rank and reputation.read · scan
Richard Henry Dana, Jr., Two Years Before the MastVol. 23
- p. 27Watches compete to reef first; yard-arms are posts of honor, and a second mate lacking skill falls into disrepute.read · scan
- p. 36The whaler is a little ashamed at being outsailed and shakes out his reefs.read · scan
- p. 183A vessel is judged by the furl of her sails, so crew take pride in perfection.read · scan
- p. 209–211Rivalry over the sailing speed of ships, bets between captains, and crews' pride in their vessel's reputation.read · scan
- p. 211Crew determined to show the whaler how a smart ship is handled, with pride in rapid sail-setting.read · scan
- p. 344Captains and mates stake their reputation for seamanship on the ship's appearance at docking.read · scan
Richard Henry Dana, Jr., Twenty-Four Years AfterVol. 23
- p. 398–400Faucon praises the Alert's crew for pride in ship, knowledge of duty and reliability.read · scan
Frank Aretas Haskell, The Battle of GettysburgVol. 43
- p. 412Factions and states quarrel over who won Gettysburg, claiming foremost honors of the field.read · scan
2c.Vanity, boasting and ostentation
Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22
- p. 115–116Odysseus announces his name and fame reaching heaven, known for wiles.read · scan
Confucius, The Sayings of ConfuciusVol. 44
- p. 20Praises modesty in Meng Chih-fan, who refuses to brag of his rearguard action.read · scan
Aeschylus, AgamemnonVol. 8
- p. 23–24One who vaunts exceeding fame incurs a woe condign; sullen city anger at the Atridae.read · scan
Aeschylus, The FuriesVol. 8
- p. 136–137They pride themselves on their office, though held unworthy of heaven's council.read · scan
Euripides, The BacchaeVol. 8
- p. 412–415Pentheus, vain, boasts he alone dares the deed as king; Dionysus hints at his pride and coming fall.read · scan
- p. 419–425Agave boasts of glory and being named Agave the Blessed.read · scan
- p. 425–427Agave boasts of her trophy and valor, demanding it be nailed up as glory, unaware it is her son.read · scan
- p. 427–430Agave's proud boast of valiance above all women, forsaking the loom.read · scan
Buddhist WritingsVol. 45
- p. 610–611The newborn Buddha proclaims himself chief in all the world, attended by royal symbols carried by divinities.read · scan
- p. 764–765Visakha enters the city standing in her chariot so all can see her magnificence, and the people praise her.read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, On FriendshipVol. 9
- p. 33Friends imagining themselves undervalued, and boasting of services, spoil friendship; benefits should be remembered by recipients only.read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, On Old AgeVol. 9
- p. 54–56Nestor may truthfully praise his own qualities without vanity; Cicero's public standing endures in the Senate and forum.read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, Letters of CiceroVol. 9
- p. 170Cicero was proud to show he was somebody; Caesar remarks he is disliked when even Cicero must wait.read · scan
Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13
- p. 178Entellus boasts of his former power and the fate he saved Dares from, then retires from the field.read · scan
Paul, The Second Epistle of Paul to the CorinthiansVol. 45
- p. 529Ironic 'foolish' boasting matching rivals, but he chooses to glory in weakness.read · scan
Plutarch, ThemistoclesVol. 12
- p. 9His passion for distinction: lavish display at Olympia, commemorated dramatic victory, courting a reputation, resented by Greeks.read · scan
- p. 20Themistocles, a great lover of honor, is crowned at Sparta, applauded at the Olympic games, and shows vanity and pride in his sayings.read · scan
Plutarch, AlcibiadesVol. 12
- p. 113Alcibiades mutilates his dog's tail to keep Athenians talking about something less damaging, and courts popular applause with largess.read · scan
Plutarch, CiceroVol. 12
- p. 237Cicero's excessive self-praise and love of glory bring envy, though he generously praises others.read · scan
Plutarch, Comparison of Demosthenes and CiceroVol. 12
- p. 261–262Cicero's boasting and craving for distinction is faulted against Demosthenes's modest attitude to his own praise and eloquence.read · scan
Plutarch, CaesarVol. 12
- p. 317–318Vain men join the procession to claim a share in the honor of the deed and lose both honor and lives.read · scan
Epictetus, The Golden Sayings of EpictetusVol. 2
- p. 153–154Display seeks spectators' praise, betraying concern for outward show.read · scan
- p. 177–178Pride and display are rejected.read · scan
Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7
- p. 33–34He studied eloquence for vainglorious ends, proud and swelled with arrogance.read · scan
- p. 139He fears ostentation and the talk of people if he quit early, as if seeking to seem great.read · scan
Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16
- p. 177He imagines being honored by the Wezir and displaying pride and generosity for the people's regard.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, HellVol. 20
- p. 73Jason keeps a regal aspect despite his pain, too proud to weep.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, ParadiseVol. 20
- p. 407Preachers' aim is vanity, how to shine and win favour.read · scan
Traditional BalladsVol. 40
- p. 100–102Johnie prides himself on being sent for by a king and dresses his men splendidly.read · scan
- p. 182–184Robin spends liberally to win renown among knights and squires.read · scan
Sir Thomas More, UtopiaVol. 36
- p. 196Men take pride in vain honors, expect reverence for fine gowns, and are angry when passed unsaluted.read · scan
Martin Luther, Concerning Christian LibertyVol. 36
- p. 340Eccius is driven by lust for fame and his own pre-eminence among theologians, not the glory of God.read · scan
- p. 341Eccius sought his own credit rather than truth, disordering the peace.read · scan
- p. 341–342Eccius, mad for renown, served his own objects and brought disgrace on Rome, since God resists the proud.read · scan
Ambroise Paré, Journeys in Diverse PlacesVol. 38
- p. 14–15Paré claims the honour of finding the bullet though another extracted it; gifts reward him.read · scan
Michel de Montaigne, Of the Institution and Education of ChildrenVol. 32
- p. 29Writers who stitch in ancient quotations seek reputation but lose it by the contrast, as with Chrysippus.read · scan
Michel de Montaigne, Of BookesVol. 32
- p. 94Cicero's ambitious vanity in publishing bad verse unworthy of his name's glory.read · scan
William Harrison, A Description of Elizabethan EnglandVol. 35
- p. 374–376Gentlemen students stand upon reputation, extravagant dress and riotous company instead of books.read · scan
Miguel de Cervantes, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, Part IVol. 14
- p. 20–21He adds his province to his name, like Amadis, to make it more redoubted and honour his country.read · scan
- p. 24He boasts that no knight was so well served by ladies as Don Quixote, and proclaims his name.read · scan
- p. 43He boasts his deeds will surpass the twelve Peers and the nine Worthies, craving heroic fame.read · scan
- p. 456–457Quixote boasts of the immunities, privileges and esteem knights-errant enjoy, from kings' tables to ladies' love.read · scan
- p. 499–500The braggart soldier Vincent boasts of battles and claims his arm is his father and his works his lineage, owing nothing to the king.read · scan
Francis Bacon, Essays, Civil and MoralVol. 3
- p. 127Moderate, timely praise does good; excessive or malicious praise provokes envy; self-praise is unseemly except of one's calling.read · scan
Christopher Marlowe, The Tragical History of Doctor FaustusVol. 19
- p. 209They promise he will be renowned and canonised, more frequented than the Delphian oracle.read · scan
Thomas Dekker, The Shoemaker's HolidayVol. 47
- p. 520–521Eyre's pride at being lord mayor, feasting prentices and king, and refusing to be thought unthankful; 'a princely mind'.read · scan
- p. 530–531Eyre boasts he can speak to a Pope, Sultan or Tamburlaine and will not droop before his sovereign.read · scan
Ben Jonson, The AlchemistVol. 47
- p. 594Tribulation admits sect names and practices are for glory and to grow profitably famous.read · scan
Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher, Philaster, or Love Lies A-BleedingVol. 47
- p. 669Pharamond boasts of his own eminence and virtues; courtiers mock his self-praise.read · scan
- p. 669–671Pharamond's vain self-praise and Philaster's proud defense of his father's name and memory.read · scan
Thomas Hobbes, Of Man, Being the First Part of LeviathanVol. 34
- p. 371–372Vain-glorious men risk honour rather than life when danger appears.read · scan
Izaak Walton, The Life of Mr. George HerbertVol. 15
- p. 380Fault of valuing his parts and parentage too highly, seen in his clothes and aloofness.read · scan
René Descartes, Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting the Reason and Seeking the Truth in the SciencesVol. 34
- p. 55Men seek a reputation for learning and the vanity of appearing ignorant of nothing.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4
- p. 90Satan's heart swells with pride and glory in his force.read · scan
- p. 136Empedocles and Cleombrotus perished seeking godhood or Elysium, and are counted among vain glory-seekers.read · scan
Molière, Tartuffe, or The HypocriteVol. 26
- p. 222–224Dorine notes pious Tartuffe boasts of name and birth, inconsistent with humility.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48
- p. 21Epigrams written only for the author's glory are worthless; calling a king Prince diminishes rank.read · scan
- p. 62Noble deeds are best hidden, but publicity spoils them since the wish to hide was what was best.read · scan
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15
- p. 42–43Formalist and Hypocrisy are from Vain-glory and go for praise.read · scan
John Dryden, All for Love; or, The World Well LostVol. 18
- p. 61Octavia and Antony both scorn obligation; Octavia protects her pride and Antony is stung by her generosity.read · scan
John Locke, Some Thoughts Concerning EducationVol. 37
- p. 104–105Praise before others flatters children's vanity and pride, turning it to their advantage.read · scan
Jean Racine, PhaedraVol. 26
- p. 135He measures his pride against Theseus's renown and feels contemptible stooping to love without glory.read · scan
William Penn, Some Fruits of SolitudeVol. 1
- p. 349Men concerned for praise more than success; avoid popularity and false show that loses credit.read · scan
Benjamin Franklin, His AutobiographyVol. 1
- p. 6Franklin confesses vanity in self-narration and argues vanity often produces good for its possessor and others.read · scan
Henry Fielding, Preface to Joseph AndrewsVol. 39
- p. 180Vanity affects false characters to purchase applause; hypocrisy seeks to avoid censure.read · scan
Samuel Johnson, Preface to ShakespeareVol. 39
- p. 236Success breeds confidence; Theobald's self-praise and ostentation are pared away, and Pope's offended pride shapes his later hostility.read · scan
Oliver Goldsmith, She Stoops to ConquerVol. 18
- p. 229–230Concern for appearing fashionable and admired in company drives Mrs. Hardcastle's vanity.read · scan
- p. 241–242Marlow brags of being a great favourite among ladies, inventing a reputation as 'agreeable Rattle' to impress her.read · scan
Oliver Goldsmith, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 505Garrick a glutton for praise, mistaking a dunce's puff for fame; flatterers and poets exchange praise.read · scan
Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, Minna von Barnhelm, or The Soldier's FortuneVol. 26
- p. 343–344Minna calls Tellheim's refusal to be indebted to her unpardonable pride, and plans to pay him back with pride.read · scan
- p. 344–346Riccaut vaunts himself as a friend of Tellheim and of a minister, seeking standing.read · scan
- p. 349–350The Frenchman's vanity makes him hide his obligation and refuse thanks for the gift.read · scan
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, The Tragedy of Faust, Part IVol. 19
- p. 31–33The few who reveal their hearts have died on crosses or in flames, while he feels punished for his pride.read · scan
Robert Burns, Poems and SongsVol. 6
- p. 321–323The coxcomb's vanity and love of his own shadow satirized.read · scan
Charles Lamb, On the Tragedies of ShakspereVol. 27
- p. 307–308Players' vices of envy, jealousy and craving for applause contrasted with Shakspere's noble modesty.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 65–66The relatives expected the triumph of pride but were left with forgiveness and meekness, and the Signor becomes less impetuous.read · scan
- p. 172She finds shallow satisfaction in commanding, being courted and styled Signora.read · scan
- p. 436He is annoyed at being thought despondent, and seeks to persuade Venice of his undiminished boldness.read · scan
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Household TalesVol. 17
- p. 90He embroiders his girdle so the whole world will hear of his fame.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Over-SoulVol. 5
- p. 145The vain seek admiration by quoting titled friends; the inspired soul does not want admiration.read · scan
Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve, MontaigneVol. 32
- p. 111–112Fine minds are less given to boasting; noisy men are less brave than modest ones like Horace and Montaigne.read · scan
Hans Christian Andersen, TalesVol. 17
- p. 234–235Vanity of the Emperor and fear of appearing stupid drive them all.read · scan
- p. 237–238Pride leads the Emperor to go through with the procession despite knowing the truth.read · scan
- p. 304–305Court success, imitators and namesakes show fame and vanity; the bird refuses the golden slipper.read · scan
- p. 315–316The vain needle believes she is too fine and comes to honor as a breast-pin, proud of her status.read · scan
- p. 317–318She takes her pride as honorable and thinks herself above ordinary persons.read · scan
- p. 330–331Karen's vanity in being looked at.read · scan
- p. 332–333Karen claims to be as good as those in church who carry their heads high, a hint of pride.read · scan
- p. 346–347Wreaths are awarded and rivals crown one another for mutual flattery and vanity.read · scan
- p. 355–356The Buckwheat boasts of its riches and beauty and scorns the old willow.read · scan
Charles Darwin, The Voyage of the BeagleVol. 29
- p. 211Jemmy's vanity about his appearance and shoes.read · scan
- p. 286Triumph, pride and vanity at perhaps being the first man on a pinnacle.read · scan
Richard Henry Dana, Jr., Two Years Before the MastVol. 23
- p. 69The captain carries too much sail to show off his vessel before his brother and the agent, and the squall punishes his vanity.read · scan
John Ruskin, Sesame and LiliesVol. 28
- p. 95Vanity, the wish to be called captain, bishop or Majesty, is the stimulus of modern effort rather than fitness for the office.read · scan
Walter Bagehot, John MiltonVol. 28
- p. 170–171Isolation breeds pride and overrating of one's own thoughts.read · scan
- p. 174Milton's excessive self-respect, not vanity, clings to those who can admire themselves.read · scan
Frank Aretas Haskell, The Battle of GettysburgVol. 43
- p. 328–329Contrasts Meade's modesty with the cheap newspaper fame sought by others like Sickles.read · scan
- p. 344Sickles is accused of seeking show, notoriety, newspaper fame and the adulation of the mob.read · scan
Robert Louis Stevenson, Samuel PepysVol. 28
- p. 287Pepys presents himself as a grave patriotic servant and fears the disgrace of the book being found among his library.read · scan
2d.Confessions of delight in praise
Marcus Tullius Cicero, Letters of CiceroVol. 9
- p. 84Cicero complains that Pompey failed to congratulate him on his consulship and asserts the world's approval of his deeds for the country.read · scan
- p. 94–95Celebrates the acclaim of crowds and senate on his return and the recovery of his standing.read · scan
- p. 101–105He is impatient to enjoy his little bit of glory in his lifetime through a friend's book.read · scan
- p. 114–115Applause given to Milo seems in a sense given to Cicero.read · scan
- p. 139–141He seeks recognition of his glory from Cato through friendship and shared studies.read · scan
- p. 153Praise from those themselves praised is sweet; Cicero defends seeking a senate honour (supplicatio) as proper though not excessively desired.read · scan
Plutarch, CiceroVol. 12
- p. 237–238His love of praise leads him to complain of Pelops neglecting to obtain honors for him.read · scan
Pliny the Younger, Letters of PlinyVol. 9
- p. 187Publication encouraged by demand for his earlier writings, perhaps flattery of booksellers.read · scan
- p. 188Pliny gains applause and preserves his reputation.read · scan
- p. 239–240Reputation and praise: Cato's dignity, and the worry about friends overrating one's merits.read · scan
- p. 256Nerva's praise and the dying man's trust are treated as the highest distinction, upon which Pliny rests his glory.read · scan
- p. 315–316Pliny's speech wins applause and Nerva's praise as in the spirit of the good old days.read · scan
- p. 336–337Pliny flatters himself his works have merit since distant persons agree in praising them.read · scan
- p. 341–343Senators applaud Pliny for reviving free debate on matters touching the public honour of the senate.read · scan
- p. 345Pliny delights that his name is known as a distinction for learning, comparing himself to Demosthenes recognized by the Athenian woman.read · scan
Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7
- p. 56–57He loved and sought commendation from others, prizing fame, but would rather be unknown than praised like actors.read · scan
- p. 85He seeks applause for a panegyric of the Emperor, knowing he will lie and be praised by those who know it.read · scan
- p. 192Praise of men is a daily furnace; hard to test oneself against it, since one cannot be without praise while living well.read · scan
- p. 193Admits delight in praise and grief at dispraise, though he would choose truth and blame over praise in error.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, HellVol. 20
- p. 17Great names' renown on earth gains favor in Heaven; Dante is exalted in his own esteem.read · scan
Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31
- p. 23–24The goldsmiths praise Cellini as the best young craftsman of his art.read · scan
- p. 28He values the honour a commission brought above the gain.read · scan
- p. 84–85Michelangelo's praise heartens Cellini, who is dissatisfied with mere jewel-setting and wants higher tasks.read · scan
- p. 200–201He works for the sake of honour as well as gain.read · scan
- p. 271Cellini takes glory in his works being esteemed by wealthy lords, and stands on his reputation against the affected connoisseur.read · scan
- p. 400–401Public acclaim, sonnets and verses in praise of the Perseus, especially from fellow artists, repay Cellini for his long troubles.read · scan
- p. 401–402Vast crowds unanimously praise the unveiled Perseus; the Duke, overhearing, is delighted and promises Cellini a surprising reward.read · scan
- p. 402–404Cellini enjoys being pointed out in the piazza; praise of fellow artists and envoys is the best reward for artists' labours.read · scan
Michel de Montaigne, Of the Institution and Education of ChildrenVol. 32
- p. 29He admits daring to match his stolen passages, hoping to deceive the judges, and seeking to be an honest man.read · scan
Miguel de Cervantes, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, Part IVol. 14
- p. 369–370Quixote gratefully accepts the honour and good opinion held of him and vows to prove them true, at the cost of his life.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of MacbethVol. 46
- p. 335–336Macbeth values the golden opinions newly bought and would not cast them aside.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, LettersVol. 48
- p. 359Pascal admits he may be suspected of seeking honor by dedicating the work to the queen.read · scan
William Penn, More Fruits of SolitudeVol. 1
- p. 382Be circumspect receiving praise; do not overvalue yourself but seek virtue, which leads to praise.read · scan
Benjamin Franklin, His AutobiographyVol. 1
- p. 19–20He relishes the approbation of his anonymous essays; brother fears it makes him vain.read · scan
- p. 114He admits his ambition was flattered by unsolicited public testimonies of good opinion given his low beginnings.read · scan
Oliver Goldsmith, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 505Garrick's hunger for praise and fame.read · scan
Edmund Burke, A Letter to a Noble LordVol. 24
- p. 381–382Burke feels satisfaction at being both attacked and commended by Lord Grenville; no philosophy makes him insensible to such distinction.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 176The Signora's protection is motivated partly by desire for good opinion from a charitable act.read · scan
John Stuart Mill, AutobiographyVol. 25
- p. 87–89Early distinction gratified his vanity before the desire for it grew into a passion.read · scan
Richard Henry Dana, Jr., Twenty-Four Years AfterVol. 23
- p. 382–383Wilson is flattered by Dana's praise of his seamanship in the book.read · scan
Frank Aretas Haskell, The Battle of GettysburgVol. 43
- p. 412He admits some vanity at the praise of officers for his conduct.read · scan
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