quotations about modesty
Modesty is not only an ornament, but also a guard to virtue.
JOSEPH ADDISON
The Spectator, November 24, 1711
A just and reasonable modesty does not only recommend eloquence, but sets off every great talent which a man can be possessed of. It heightens all the virtues which it accompanies; like the shades in paintings, it raises and rounds every figure, and makes the colours more beautiful, though not so glaring as they would be without it.
JOSEPH ADDISON
The Spectator, November 24, 1711
The earth is large and old enough to teach us modesty.
HANS CLOOS
Conversation with the Earth
You little know what you have done, when you have first broken the bonds of modesty; you have set open the door of your fancy to the devil, so that he can, almost at his pleasure ever after, represent the same sinful pleasure to you anew.
R. BAXTER
attributed, Day's Collacon
I am the best. Modesty has nothing to say about it.
PAUL HOFFMAN
The Left Hand of God
Modesty is the true citadel of beauty and virtue.
DEMADES
attributed, Day's Collacon
In general, one must have value oneself in order freely and willingly to acknowledge value in another. This is the basis for the requirement that modesty accompany all merits, as well as the disproportionately loud praise for this virtue which alone, among all its sisters, is always added to the praise of anyone distinguished in some way by the person who dares to praise him, so as to conciliate the worthless and silence their wrath. For what is modesty if not false humility which someone with merits and advantages in a world teeming with perfidious envy uses to beg the pardon of those who have none? Someone who does not lay claim to merit because he in fact has none is being honest, not modest.
ARTHUR SCHOPENHAUER
The World as Will and Representation
I am sufficiently proud of my knowing something to be modest about my not knowing all.
VLADIMIR NABOKOV
Lolita
True modesty avoids everything that is criminal; false modesty everything that is unfashionable.
JOSEPH ADDISON
The Spectator, August 15, 1712
A seeming modesty is a surer evidence of vanity than a moderate degree of assurance.
ANDREW URE
attributed, Day's Collacon
Modesty is the bridemaid of concord; she not only hangs her garland on the door of the nuptial chamber, but she bestrews with refreshing herbs the whole apartment, every day of life.
WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR
Imaginary Conversations
Before taking up the subject of modesty, it may perhaps be necessary to inquire whether there is such a thing. Is it anything in a woman but well understood coquetry?
HONORÉ DE BALZAC
Physiology of Marriage
There is nothing in the female sex more graceful or becoming than Modesty. It adds charm to their beauty, and gives a new softness to their sex. Without it simplicity and innocence appear rude; reading and good sense, masculine; wit and humour, lascivious. This is so necessary a quality for pleasing, that the loose part of the sex, whose study it is to ensnare men's hearts, never fail to support the appearance of what they know is essential to that end.
WELLINS CALCOTT
Thoughts Moral and Divine
It does not suit all persons to be modest; none but great men ought to be so.
STANISLAW II
"Reflections on different Subjects of Morality", The Universal Magazine, November 1764
The good we do to others is spoilt unless we efface ourselves so completely that those we help have no sense of inferiority.
HONORE DE BALZAC
"Letters of Two Brides", The Wisdom of Balzac
Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of her honor.
NOAH WEBSTER
A Dictioniary of the English Language
A modest person seldom fails to gain the goodwill of those he converses with, because nobody envies a man who does not appear to be pleased with himself.
RICHARD STEELE
The Guardian, April 8, 1713
Modesty isn't always a virtue; it can be a hindrance; a careful measure of personal pride builds confidence and ensures success.
WAYNE GERARD TROTMAN
Kaya Abaniah and the Father of the Forest
Modesty in a man is never to be allowed as a good quality, but a weakness, if it suppresses his virtue, and hides it from the world, when he has at the same time a mind to exert himself.
SAMUEL JOHNSON
attributed, Day's Collacon
Modesty is the lowest of the virtues, and is a real confession of the deficiency it indicates. He who undervalues himself is justly undervalued by others.
WILLIAM HAZLITT
Table Talk: Original Essays on Men and Manners