Friendship Quote by E. W. Howe
“Express a mean opinion of yourself occasionally; it will show your friends that you know how to tell the truth.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Self-Deprecation, 1905
Occasionally expressing a harsh self‑assessment demonstrates honesty and can earn respect from peers.
In simple terms: Being brutally honest with yourself can impress others.
Key Takeaway
Show humility through honest self‑critique.
Themes
humility
honesty
self‑awareness
Mood
reflective
candid
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- friendships
- teamwork
- leadership
Key Concepts
psychology
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How honest are you about your flaws?
- Can self‑critique improve relationships?
A Different Perspective
Risk of lowering self‑esteem if overused.
![“[Eugene Smith] was always writing these diatribes about truth, and how he wanted to tell the truth, the truth, the truth. It was a real rebel position. It was kind of like a teenager's position: why can't things be like they should be? Why can't I do what I want? I latched on to that philosophy…” quote by Larry Clark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e56/larry-clark-25877_hey_eugene-smith-was-always-writing-these-di_31228.jpg)
