Character Quote by Jean de la Bruyere
“There is a false modesty, which is vanity; a false glory, which is levity; a false grandeur, which is meanness; a false virtue, which is hypocrisy, and a false wisdom, which is prudery.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Maximes, 1688
People often disguise negative traits as virtues, revealing how self‑deception masks true character.
In simple terms: False virtues hide real flaws.
Key Takeaway
Question your motives and those of others.
Themes
self‑deception
virtue
vanity
hypocrisy
wisdom
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- leadership training
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
psychology
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What ' you call out in yourself?
- How do you confront others' pretensions?
A Different Perspective
People may genuinely believe in their false virtues, making change hard.
![“The court is like a palace built of marble; I mean that it is made up of very hard but very polished people. [Fr., La cour est comme un edifice bati de marbre; je veux dire qu'elle est composee d'hommes fort durs mais fort polis.]” quote by Jean de la Bruyere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fcf/jean-de-la-bruyere-575_built_the-court-is-like-a-palace-built-of-marb_77288.jpg)
