Say nothing good of yourself, you will be distrusted; say…
“Say nothing good of yourself, you will be distrusted; say nothing bad of yourself, you will be taken at your word.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote warns that self‑praise breeds suspicion while self‑criticism invites exploitation, urging balanced self‑presentation.
In simple terms: Self‑praise looks fake; self‑criticism invites exploitation.
Key Takeaway
Maintain honest modesty.
Themes
trust
communication
self‑image
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- job interview
- team meeting
- networking event
- public speaking
Key Concepts
psychology
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance confidence and humility?
- When does modesty become a disadvantage?
A Different Perspective
Over‑modesty can hide competence.