---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: They were boastful, triumphant; it seemed…"
description: "\"“They were boastful, triumphant; it seemed to both that they had read every book in the world; known every sin, passion, and joy. Civilizations stood r..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/07a/virginia-woolf-49_books_they-were-boastful-triumphant-it-seemed_1921659.jpg"
---

#  They were boastful, triumphant; it seemed to both that…

![“They were boastful, triumphant; it seemed to both that they had read every book in the world; known every sin, passion, and joy. Civilizations stood round them like flowers ready for picking. Ages lapped at their feet like waves fit for sailing.” quote by Virginia Woolf](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/07a/virginia-woolf-49_books_they-were-boastful-triumphant-it-seemed_1921659.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/07a/virginia-woolf-49_books_they-were-boastful-triumphant-it-seemed_1921659.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/07a/virginia-woolf-49_books_they-were-boastful-triumphant-it-seemed_1921659.jpg)

> ““They were boastful, triumphant; it seemed to both that they had read every book in the world; known every sin, passion, and joy. Civilizations stood round them like flowers ready for picking. Ages lapped at their feet like waves fit for sailing.””

[Virginia Woolf](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/virginia-woolf/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage describes a group whose arrogance makes them feel omniscient, as if civilizations are theirs to harvest.

**In simple terms:** Arrogance leads to a false sense of mastery over history.

Key Takeaway

Recognize humility in the face of vast knowledge.

Themes

pride knowledge impermanence

Mood

critical introspective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

- academic research
- political power
- cultural criticism
- leadership

Key Concepts

hubris civilizational hubris overconfidence

Questions to Reflect On

- How does arrogance affect decision making?
- What checks can curb overconfidence?

A Different Perspective

Such hubris can blind one to real consequences.

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[Boastful](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/boastful/) [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/)

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