Ancient Quote by Honore de Balzac
“The secret of the nobility and beauty of great ladies lies in the art with which they can shed their veils. In such situations, they become like ancient statues. If they kept the merest scarf on, they would be lewd. Your bourgeois woman will always try to cover her nakedness.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Le Père Goriot, 1835, France
Ladies conceal their true selves behind modest appearances, revealing societal pressures on femininity.
In simple terms: Women hide their true nature behind modesty.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and respect authentic identities beyond appearances.
Themes
gender
society
appearance
identity
Mood
analytical
philosophical
Type
thought‑provoking
contemplative
When to use this quote
- social gatherings
- fashion choices
- personal relationships
- artistic portrayals
Key Concepts
femininity
social expectations
self‑presentation
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do people hide aspects of themselves?
- What freedoms arise when authenticity is embraced?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on modesty can suppress genuine expression.
