Faces Quote by Gilbert K. Chesterton
“Some of the most frantic lies on the face of life are told with modesty and restraint; for the simple reason that only modesty and restraint will save them.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Ethics of Modesty”, 1909
People lie modestly because restraint protects them, revealing how self‑control can mask deception.
In simple terms: Modesty can hide lies.
Key Takeaway
Beware of false humility.
Themes
deception
modesty
self‑control
truth
psychology
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- political speech
- personal relationships
- media narratives
Key Concepts
ethical paradox
social behavior
protective lies
Questions to Reflect On
- When does restraint become harmful?
- How can we discern sincere modesty?
A Different Perspective
Modesty may also conceal genuine humility.
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
![“That's probably why my face was looking so crazy when I was crying [in "Hardball"] because it was some real.” quote by Michael B. Jordan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/26f/michael-b-jordan-3540_crazy_that-s-probably-why-my-face-was-looking_4152.jpg)
