Believe Quote by Jonathan Swift
“Vain men delight in telling what Honours have been done them, what great Company they have kept, and the like; by which they plainly confess, that these Honours were more than their Due, and such as their Friends would not believe if they had not been told: Whereas a Man truly proud, thinks the greatest Honours below his Merit, and consequently scorns to boast. I therefore deliver it as a Maxim that whoever desires the Character of a proud Man, ought to conceal his Vanity.”
About This Quote
True pride hides vanity; a genuinely proud person sees honors as less than his merit and avoids boasting.
In simple terms: Pride conceals vanity; humility avoids bragging.
Key Takeaway
Practice modesty and let deeds speak.
Themes
humility
pride
honor
vanity
character
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Leadership training
- personal development
- public speaking
- team dynamics
- ethical counseling
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
social behavior
self‑presentation
Questions to Reflect On
- How to balance confidence with humility?
A Different Perspective
May modesty be mistaken for lack of confidence?
