Nothing ought more to humiliate men who have merited great…
“Nothing ought more to humiliate men who have merited great praise than the care they still take to boast of little things.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Boasting about trivial achievements is especially humiliating for those who have earned great praise, exposing vanity despite prior honor.
In simple terms: Boasting about small things is shameful for the truly great.
Key Takeaway
Avoid petty boasting.
Themes
humility
pride
virtue
vanity
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
maxim
philosophical
When to use this quote
- professional accolades
- personal achievements
- public speaking
Key Concepts
ego
self‑esteem
social perception
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you equate humility with greatness?
- When is modesty inappropriate?
A Different Perspective
The statement assumes all praised individuals value humility equally.