A man may be humble through vainglory.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A person might act humble not out of genuine modesty, but to gain praise or admiration.
- In plain terms
- False humility can be a way to show off.
- What can you take from it?
- Be wary of humility that seeks attention.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do people seek praise through modesty?
Another view
Sometimes humility is genuine even if it looks calculated.
More from Michel de Montaigne
How many valiant men we have seen to survive their own reputation!
Permalink to quote #33 I find that the best goodness I have has some tincture of vice.
Permalink to quote #35 Ceux qui ont apparie notre vie a un songe ont eu de la raison...Nous veillons dormants et veillants dormons.
Permalink to quote #32
Related quotes
Proud people breed sad sorrows for themselves.
Emily BronteEmily Bronte quote #16 False modesty is still false, no matter how charming it might seem
Orson Scott CardOrson Scott Card quote #474 My specialty is being right when other people are wrong.
George Bernard ShawGeorge Bernard Shaw quote #7