Quote by John Webster, Vanitas Vanitatum

Vain ambition of kings Who seek by trophies and dead things To leave a living name behind, And weave but nets to catch the wind.

Vain ambition of kings Who seek by trophies and dead things

Summary

This quote criticizes the vain ambition of kings who strive to be remembered through accumulating materialistic trophies and lifeless possessions. It suggests that rather than focusing on their legacy through superficial means, they should invest their efforts in creating a meaningful and impactful life. The mention of "weaving nets to catch the wind" serves as a metaphor emphasizing the futility and insubstantial nature of their pursuits. Ultimately, the quote urges individuals in positions of power to prioritize leaving behind a living legacy that truly makes a difference, rather than chasing empty symbols of status.

Topics

Fame

By John Webster, Vanitas Vanitatum

Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.

Random Quotations

I preached as never sure to preach again, and as a dying man

I preached as never sure to preach again, and as a dying man to dying men.

Evangelism

If there will be a serious Palestinian prime minister who ma

If there will be a serious Palestinian prime minister who makes a 100 percent effort to end terrorism, then we can have peace. Each side has to take steps. If terror continues, there will not be an independent Palestinian state. Israel will not accept it, if terror continues.

Peace

If I had been on 'Bowling for Dollars,' I'd wind up owing th

If I had been on 'Bowling for Dollars,' I'd wind up owing them money.

Money

Image is what people perceive my life to be. It's nothing li

Image is what people perceive my life to be. It's nothing like the truth.

David Hasselhoff

Life Truth People

History is just the portrayal of crimes and misfortunes.

History is just the portrayal of crimes and misfortunes.

Voltaire (FranÃ§oisMarie Arouet)

History

I have my own religion. I'm sort of one-quarter Baptist, one

I have my own religion. I'm sort of one-quarter Baptist, one-quarter Catholic, one-quarter Jewish.

Religion

Erection is chiefly caused by parsnips, artichokes, turnips,

Erection is chiefly caused by parsnips, artichokes, turnips, asparagus, candied ginger, acorns bruised to a powder drunk in muscatel

Words

The jungle is life itself. A thousand times more alive than

The jungle is life itself. A thousand times more alive than anything you've ever seen. We didn't go there to be a part of it. We invaded it. We shaved the jungle and made a stinking camp in the middle of it. Radios blaring. It was disgusting.

My main point is to be funny if I can slip a message in ther

My main point is to be funny if I can slip a message in there, fine.

Funny

Well in the book Carrie was my alter ego. In real life, Sara

Well in the book Carrie was my alter ego. In real life, Sarah Jessica and I don't look anything alike. But people do say that we sound alike. Sarah Jessica is an adorable girl and she is very funny.

Candace Bushnell

Funny

We are what make up society.

We are what make up society.

Society

The question is very understandable, but no one has found a

The question is very understandable, but no one has found a satisfactory answer to it so far. Yes, why do they make still more gigantic planes, still heavier bombs and, at the same time, prefabricated houses for reconstruction? Why should millions be spent daily on the war and yet there's not a penny available for medical services, artists, or for poor people?Why do some people have to starve, while there are surpluses rotting in other parts of the world? Oh,why are people so crazy?

Questions Inspirational Frank Anne Page