For the individual, ostentation and self-praise can lead to a number of negative consequences, including:
- Conceit: Men who are constantly boasting about their accomplishments or showing off their wealth and possessions may come across as arrogant and conceited, which can make them unpopular with others.
- Envy: Ostentation and self-praise can also provoke envy in others, which can lead to conflict and resentment.
-Loss of credibility: When someone constantly brags about their accomplishments, people may start to doubt their sincerity or accuracy, which can damage their reputation and make it difficult for them to build trust with others.
For society, ostentation and self-praise can contribute to a number of negative outcomes, including:
- Social inequality: When some individuals constantly flaunt their wealth or accomplishments, it can create a sense of social inequality and resentment among those who feel less fortunate.
-Materialism: Ostentation and self-praise can also promote a materialistic culture, in which people are more focused on acquiring possessions and status than on developing their inner qualities or contributing to the common good.
- Superficiality: A focus on ostentation and self-praise can lead to a lack of depth and substance in social interactions, as people become more concerned with impressing others than with having genuine conversations or connections.
Castiglione argues that men should instead cultivate modesty and humility, which he believes are more conducive to building a happy and fulfilling life. By avoiding ostentation and self-praise, men can focus on developing their inner qualities and building meaningful relationships with others.