Here's a breakdown:
* Vain: Meaning useless, worthless, or without real value.
* Ambition: A strong desire to achieve something, especially power, wealth, or fame.
Examples of vain ambition:
* A politician who prioritizes personal power and recognition over the needs of their constituents.
* A musician who relentlessly pursues fame and fortune but neglects the artistic integrity of their music.
* A person who sacrifices their relationships and well-being in the pursuit of a career that ultimately leaves them unfulfilled.
The phrase suggests that:
* The ambition is motivated by ego and external validation rather than true purpose or meaning.
* The pursuit of the ambition may lead to negative consequences or a sense of emptiness.
* There are more worthwhile and fulfilling ways to spend one's time and energy.
In literature and philosophy:
The concept of vain ambition has been explored in numerous works of literature and philosophy. For instance, Shakespeare's "Macbeth" depicts the tragic consequences of unchecked ambition, while philosophers like Aristotle argued for the importance of moderation and the pursuit of true happiness over fleeting fame and fortune.