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About this quote

What does it mean?
Challenging modesty is safe because modesty only affects those who cannot see it.
In plain terms
Defy modesty freely since it only fools the unaware.
What can you take from it?
Rules of politeness only bind those who blindly follow them.

Where it applies

  • challenging etiquette
  • artistic expression
  • social critique

Putting it to work

  • break social conventions
  • encourage authenticity
  • question norms

Questions to consider

  • When is it right to break rules?
  • Why do we value modesty?

Another view

It dismisses modesty entirely without acknowledging its social value.

More from Jean Cocteau

  1. Do not take up cause against the inaccuracies printed about you. They are your protection.

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  2. One is either judge or accused. The judge sits, the accused stands. Live on your feet.

    Permalink to quote #62
  3. People would say to Al Brown: 'You are not a boxer. You are a dancer.' He laughed at this, and won.

    Permalink to quote #59

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