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About this quote

What does it mean?
Modesty is often praised but may not be as valuable as other virtues.
In plain terms
Being modest is thought to be virtuous but is overvalued.
What can you take from it?
Modesty may not be as important as we think.

Where it applies

  • self-improvement
  • leadership
  • social interaction

Putting it to work

  • focus on impact
  • acknowledge merit
  • balance humility

Questions to consider

  • Is modesty always a virtue?
  • When does humility become self-deception?

Another view

It risks promoting arrogance over self-awareness.

More from John Kenneth Galbraith

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