Moderation is caused by the fear of exciting the envy and…
“Moderation is caused by the fear of exciting the envy and contempt which those merit who are intoxicated with their good fortune; it is a vain display of our strength of mind, and in short the moderation of men at their greatest height is only a desire to appear greater than their fortune.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Moderation stems from fear of envy and contempt; it becomes a show of superiority, masking true humility.
In simple terms: Fear of envy drives false modesty.
Key Takeaway
Seek authentic humility, not performative modesty.
Themes
humility
pride
social perception
moderation
vanity
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal development
- leadership training
- social interactions
Key Concepts
psychology
social dynamics
self-presentation
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we hide strengths?
- How can genuine modesty be cultivated?
A Different Perspective
True humility may be uncomfortable to display.