Acquaintance Quote by Charles Caleb Colton
“Some men who know that they are great are so very haughty withal and insufferable that their acquaintance discover their greatness only by the tax of humility which they are obliged to pay as the price of their friendship.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Miscellany, 1820
People who recognize their own greatness often become arrogant, but true friends only see their value when they show humility.
In simple terms: Arrogance hides greatness; humility reveals it.
Practice humility to earn genuine respect.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- leadership
- personal relationships
- team dynamics
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does humility change others' perception of you?
- When is confidence more effective than humility?
Humility may be perceived as weakness, limiting influence.