Being original Quote by Hosea Ballou
“Pretension almost always overdoes the original, and hence exposes itself.”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: "On Pretension", 1845
Excessive pretension reveals its own falseness, exposing the lack of authenticity.
In simple terms: Pretension shows its own falsehood.
Key Takeaway
Stay authentic, avoid over‑embellishing.
Themes
authenticity
humility
truth
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- writing
- personal relationships
- marketing
Key Concepts
social dynamics
communication
Questions to Reflect On
- When is a bit of flair acceptable?
- How do you balance confidence and humility?
A Different Perspective
Pretension can sometimes be strategic, not always negative.
