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False greatness is unsociable and remote: conscious of its…

“False greatness is unsociable and remote: conscious of its own frailty, it hides, or at least averts its face, and reveals itself only enough to create an illusion and not be recognized as the meanness that it really is. True greatness is free, kind, familiar and popular; it lets itself be touched…” quote by Jean de la Bruyere
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“False greatness is unsociable and remote: conscious of its own frailty, it hides, or at least averts its face, and reveals itself only enough to create an illusion and not be recognized as the meanness that it really is. True greatness is free, kind, familiar and popular; it lets itself be touched and handled, it loses nothing by being seen at close quarters; the better one knows it, the more one admires it.”

Jean de la Bruyere

About This Quote

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

True greatness is humble, accessible, and kind, unlike false greatness which hides behind pretension.

In simple terms: Real greatness is modest and kind.

Key Takeaway

Embrace humility and openness.

Themes

humility authenticity leadership

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • leadership
  • public speaking
  • team management
  • personal development

Key Concepts

philosophy ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you value humility over status?
  • How can you reveal your true strengths?
A Different Perspective

False greatness can be socially rewarded.

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