Assuming Quote by William Shenstone
“Many persons, when exalted, assume an insolent humility, who behaved before with an insolent haughtiness.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The Unfortunate Man", 1748
When elevated, people may adopt false humility, masking prior arrogance.
In simple terms: Power can cause false humility.
Key Takeaway
Stay authentic despite status.
Themes
humility
pride
social status
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- politics
- corporate leadership
- celebrity culture
Key Concepts
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you maintain humility in success?
- What signs reveal insincere humility?
A Different Perspective
True humility is rare when power is involved.
![“Margaret could not help her looks; but the short curled upper lip, the round, massive up-turned chin, the manner of carrying her head, her movements, full of a soft feminine defiance, always gave strangers the impression of haughtiness. […] She sat facing him and facing the light; her full beauty…” quote by Elizabeth Gaskell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/54f/elizabeth-gaskell-894_quote_margaret-could-not-help-her-looks-but-th_332320.jpg)
