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Humility is often merely feigned submissiveness assumed in…

“Humility is often merely feigned submissiveness assumed in order to subject others, an artifice of pride which stoops to conquer, and although pride has a thousand ways of transforming itself it is never so well disguised and able to take people in as when masquerading as humility.” quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld
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“Humility is often merely feigned submissiveness assumed in order to subject others, an artifice of pride which stoops to conquer, and although pride has a thousand ways of transforming itself it is never so well disguised and able to take people in as when masquerading as humility.”

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Humility can be a disguise for pride, allowing people to manipulate others while appearing modest.

In simple terms: Fake humility hides pride and manipulates.

Key Takeaway

Beware of false modesty.

Themes

pride humility manipulation

Mood

cautious critical

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • leadership
  • interpersonal dynamics
  • ethical behavior

Key Concepts

social deception psychology of ego

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you discern genuine humility?
  • When does humility become a tool for control?
A Different Perspective

Not all humility is genuine; context matters.

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