Young ladies Quote by Jane Austen
![“[She] is one of those young ladies who seek to recommend themselves to the other sex by undervaluing their own, and with many men, I dare say, it succeeds. But, in my opinion, it is a paltry device, a very mean art.” quote by Jane Austen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bb0/jane-austen-39_young-ladies_she-is-one-of-those-young-ladies-who-see_1847431.jpg)
““[She] is one of those young ladies who seek to recommend themselves to the other sex by undervaluing their own, and with many men, I dare say, it succeeds. But, in my opinion, it is a paltry device, a very mean art.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Emma by Jane Austen, 1815
A woman seeks male attention by devaluing herself, a manipulative tactic that ultimately fails and is morally questionable.
In simple terms: Self‑devaluation to attract men is manipulative and ineffective.
Key Takeaway
Avoid self‑devaluation; seek genuine respect.
Themes
gender dynamics
self‑worth
manipulation
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
literary
social commentary
When to use this quote
- dating
- career advancement
- social networking
- personal branding
Key Concepts
feminist theory
social psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do people resort to self‑devaluation?
- How can one foster authentic confidence?
A Different Perspective
Such tactics can reinforce harmful stereotypes and damage self‑esteem.
![“Everybody is taken in at some period or another. [...] In marriage especially. [...] There is not one in a hundred of either sex, who is not taken in when they marry. Look where I will, I see that it is so; and I feel that it must be so, when I consider that it is, of all transactions, the one in…” quote by Jane Austen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/37a/jane-austen-39_marriage_everybody-is-taken-in-at-some-period-or_7175.jpg)
![“She [Evelina] is not, indeed, like most modern young ladies; to be known in half an hour; her modest worth, and fearful excellence, require both time and encouragement to show themselves.” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0e7/anonymous-1_encouragement_she-evelina-is-not-indeed-like-most-mode_35617.jpg)
![“The shrieks were coming from two quite naked girls, who were pursued by a pair of apes snapping at their bottoms. [...] So he now raises his double-barrelled Spanish rifle, fires and kills both apes. 'God be praised, my dear Calambo! I have delivered these two poor creatures from grave peril; if…” quote by Voltaire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9a9/voltaire-173_apes_the-shrieks-were-coming-from-two-quite-n_173005.jpg)
