Vanity

Use in the book

The conventional economy of rare possessions is vain because it breeds discontent and contention while neglecting freely given riches. Even earnest activity can be empty when the object has been mistaken. The criticism is not restricted to idleness or obvious frivolity.

Nor does a correct inventory of beautiful things by itself remove vanity. To possess worlds while being unable to give oneself or become delightful to another would remain desolate. Traherne’s strongest test therefore reaches beyond material ambition to any isolated enjoyment. True good requires living relations. The psalmic critique of wealth adds mortality: houses and names cannot secure a permanence that their owners do not possess.

Places to read

1. I.33Invented riches lead to discontent, contention, and vanity.
2. I.50Busy pursuit of display is vain when received blessings remain unprized.
3. III.80Trust in continuing wealth and household fame is exposed as folly.
4. IV.45Even possession of all worlds is vanity without communicative personal life.

In this edition

Vanity in these places is often closer to futility or hollowness than to self-admiration. The latter may be present, but it is not the word’s whole semantic range.