Affected Quote by William Hazlitt
“The affected modesty of most women is a decoy for the generous, the delicate, and unsuspecting; while the artful, the bold, and unfeeling either see or break through its slender disguises.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: On the Influence of Modesty, 1820
Women’s modesty can be a protective façade, but the truly perceptive or ruthless can see through it.
In simple terms: Modesty can hide true intentions; some see through it.
Be aware of surface appearances.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- social interactions
- dating
- political negotiations
- business presentations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When should we trust modesty?
- What risks arise from seeing through façades?
Assuming all modesty is deceptive can be unfair.