--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A man who does not endeavour to seem more…" description: "\"A man who does not endeavour to seem more than he is will generally be thought nothing of. We habitually make such large deductions for pretence and im..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/080/william-hazlitt-326_air_a-man-who-does-not-endeavour-to-seem-mor_789251.jpg" --- # A man who does not endeavour to seem more than he is will… ![“A man who does not endeavour to seem more than he is will generally be thought nothing of. We habitually make such large deductions for pretence and imposture that no real merit will stand against them. It is necessary to set off our good qualities with a certain air of plausibility and…” quote by William Hazlitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/080/william-hazlitt-326_air_a-man-who-does-not-endeavour-to-seem-mor_789251.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/080/william-hazlitt-326_air_a-man-who-does-not-endeavour-to-seem-mor_789251.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/080/william-hazlitt-326_air_a-man-who-does-not-endeavour-to-seem-mor_789251.jpg) > “A man who does not endeavour to seem more than he is will generally be thought nothing of. We habitually make such large deductions for pretence and imposture that no real merit will stand against them. It is necessary to set off our good qualities with a certain air of plausibility and self-importance, as some attention to fashion is necessary.” [William Hazlitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-hazlitt/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People often judge others harshly, so presenting oneself with modest confidence helps gain respect. **In simple terms:** Show modest confidence to be respected. Key Takeaway Balance humility with self‑assertion. Themes self‑presentation social perception confidence humility Mood reflective analytical Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - job interviews - networking events - public speaking - online profiles Key Concepts impression management social psychology authenticity Questions to Reflect On - How do you convey competence without bragging? - When is modesty counter‑productive? A Different Perspective Excessive self‑importance can appear insincere. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Air](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/air/) [Attention](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/attention/) [Certain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/certain/) [Deductions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/deductions/) [Doe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doe/) [Endeavour](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/endeavour/) [Fashion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fashion/) [Fashion Necessary](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fashion-necessary-6065827/) [Good quality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/good-quality/) [Importance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/importance/) [Imposture](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/imposture-585550/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Merit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/merit/) [Pretence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pretence/) [Pretence Imposture](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pretence-imposture-6065826/) [Qualities Certain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/qualities-certain-3867208/) [Quality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/quality/) [Real](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/real/) [Seems](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/seems/) [Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self/) [Self importance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self-importance/) ## Related quotes > [We have beastly qualities within us. 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