Vain men delight in telling what Honours have been done…
“Vain men delight in telling what Honours have been done them, what great Company they have kept, and the like; by which they plainly confess, that these Honours were more than their Due, and such as their Friends would not believe if they had not been told: Whereas a Man truly proud, thinks the greatest Honours below his Merit, and consequently scorns to boast. I therefore deliver it as a Maxim that whoever desires the Character of a proud Man, ought to conceal his Vanity.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
True pride hides vanity; a genuinely proud person sees honors as less than his merit and avoids boasting.
In simple terms: Pride conceals vanity; humility avoids bragging.
Key Takeaway
Practice modesty and let deeds speak.
Themes
humility
pride
honor
vanity
character
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Leadership training
- personal development
- public speaking
- team dynamics
- ethical counseling
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
social behavior
self‑presentation
Questions to Reflect On
- How to balance confidence with humility?
A Different Perspective
May modesty be mistaken for lack of confidence?