Chapter VIII.
How vainglory is not allayed either in the desert or
through advancing years.
Other
vices, as we said, are
sometimes allayed by the advantages of position, and when the matter of
the sin and the occasion and opportunity for it are removed, grow
slack, and are diminished: but this one penetrates the deserts with the
man who is flying from it, nor can it be shut out from any place, nor
when outward material for it is removed does it fail. For it is simply
encouraged by the achievements of the virtues of the man whom it
attacks. For all other vices, as we said above, are sometimes
diminished by the lapse of time, and disappear: to this one length of
life, unless it is supported by skilful diligence and prudent
discretion, is no hindrance, but actually supplies it with new fuel for
vanity.