True modesty is a discerning grace, and only blushes in the proper place, but counterfeit is blind, and skulks through fear, where ’tis a shame to be ashamed to appear; humility the parent of the first; the last by vanity produced and nursed.
—William Cowper (1731–1800) English Anglican Poet, Hymn writer
Do not make yourself so big, you are not so small.
—Yiddish Proverb
When a woman has lost her chastity she will shrink from nothing.
—Tacitus (56–117) Roman Orator, Historian
Modesty is the conscience of the body.
—Honore de Balzac (1799–1850) French Novelist
Conceit spoils the finest genius. There is not much danger that real talent or goodness will be overlooked long; even if it is, the consciousness of possessing and using it well should satisfy one, and the great charm of all power is modesty.
—Louisa May Alcott (1832–88) American Novelist
Modesty, when she goes, is gone forever.
—Walter Savage Landor (1775–1864) English Writer, Poet
Modesty forbids what the law does not.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
A false modesty is the meanest species of pride.
—Edward Gibbon (1737–94) English Historian, Politician
The mark of the man of the world is absence of pretension. He does not make a speech; he takes a low business-tone, avoids all brag, is nobody, dresses plainly, promises not at all, performs much, speaks in monosyllables, hugs his fact. He calls his employment by its lowest name, and so takes from evil tongues their sharpest weapon. His conversation clings to the weather and the news, yet he allows himself to be surprised into thought, and the unlocking of his learning and philosophy.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
The man who is ostentatious of his modesty is twin to the statue that wears a fig-leaf.
—Mark Twain (1835–1910) American Humorist
He is a modest little man who has a good deal to be modest about.
—Winston Churchill (1874–1965) British Leader, Historian, Journalist, Author
If there is anybody in this land who thoroughly believes that the meek shall inherit the earth they have not often let their presence be known.
—W. E. B. Du Bois (1868–1963) American Sociologist, Social Reformer
Modesty is the only sure bait when you angle for praise.
—Earl of Chesterfield (1694–1773) English Statesman, Man of Letters
A modest man is usually admired, if people ever hear of him.
—E. W. Howe (1853–1937) American Novelist, Editor
A vain man finds it wise to speak good or ill of himself; a modest man does not talk of himself.
—Jean de La Bruyere (1645–96) French Satiric Moralist, Author
In the modesty of fearful duty, I read as much as from the rattling tongue of saucy and audacious eloquence.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
Modesty is a quality in a lover more praised by the women than liked.
—Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751–1816) Irish-born British Playwright, Poet, Elected Rep
Let us be careful to distinguish modesty, which is ever amiable, from reserve, which is only prudent. A man is hated sometimes for pride, when it was an excess of humility gave the occasion.
—William Shenstone (1714–63) British Poet, Landscape Gardener
Modesty and humility are the sobriety of the mind, as temperance and chastity are of the body.
—Benjamin Whichcote (1609–83) British Clergyman, Scholar
Be plain in dress, and sober in your diet; In short, my dear, kiss me and be quiet.
—Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1689–1762) English Aristocrat, Poet, Novelist, Writer
The height of cleverness is being able to conceal it.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613–80) French Writer
The greatest ornament of an illustrious life is modesty and humility, which go a great way in the character even of the most exalted princes.
—Napoleon I (1769–1821) Emperor of France
An egotist will always speak of himself, either in praise or censure; but a modest man ever shuns making himself the subject of his conversation.
—Jean de La Bruyere (1645–96) French Satiric Moralist, Author
Fidelity to conscience is inconsistent with retiring modesty. If it be so, let the modesty succumb. It can be only a false modesty which can be thus endangered.
—Harriet Martineau (1802–76) English Sociologist, Economist, Philosopher, Essayist
Nothing can atone for the lack of modesty; without which beauty is ungraceful and wit detestable.
—Richard Steele (1672–1729) Irish Writer, Politician
Virtues, like essences, lose their fragrance when exposed. They are sensitive plants, that will not bear too familiar approaches.
—William Shenstone (1714–63) British Poet, Landscape Gardener
Usually the modest person passes for someone reserved, the silent for a sullen person.
—Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus) (65–8 BCE) Roman Poet
No modest man ever did or ever will make a fortune.
—Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1689–1762) English Aristocrat, Poet, Novelist, Writer
True modesty avoids everything that is criminal; false modesty everything that is unfashionable.
—Joseph Addison (1672–1719) English Essayist, Poet, Playwright, Politician
A modest person seldom fails to gain the good will of those he converses with, because nobody envies a man who does not appear to be pleased with himself.
—Richard Steele (1672–1729) Irish Writer, Politician
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