Skip to content

Humility is often only a feigned submissiveness by which…

“Humility is often only a feigned submissiveness by which men hope to bring other people to submit to them; it is a more calculated sort of pride.” quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Download Open image
“Humility is often only a feigned submissiveness by which men hope to bring other people to submit to them; it is a more calculated sort of pride.”

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.

People may feign humility to manipulate others, masking a strategic form of pride.

In simple terms: Fake humility hides selfish motives.

Key Takeaway

Beware of hidden agendas.

Themes

manipulation pride humility

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • leadership
  • personal relationships
  • political negotiations

Key Concepts

psychology social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you distinguish genuine humility from manipulation?
  • What are the risks of using humility as a strategy?
A Different Perspective

Such tactics can backfire and erode trust.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Francois de La Rochefoucauld

Explore all 1,134 Francois de La Rochefoucauld quotes

More Humility quotes

Browse all 4,759 Humility quotes