QuoteProject
We must not confuse humility with false modesty or servility.
Paulo Coelho
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Humility is recognizing one's strengths without downplaying them, unlike false modesty which diminishes true value.

This quote emphasizes the distinction between genuine humility and the negative traits of false modesty and servility. True humility acknowledges one’s abilities and achievements without arrogance, while false modesty involves pretending to be less capable than one is, often seeking approval or validation from others. Servility, on the other hand, implies a submissive attitude that can undermine one’s self-worth. Understanding this difference helps in developing a healthy self-perception and encourages authenticity in social interactions.

Themes

HumilityModestySelf-AwarenessAuthenticitySelf-Worth

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a leadership workshop to discuss the importance of authentic leadership qualities.

More from Paulo Coelho

I'm not doing anything, and yet I'm also doing the most important thing a man can do: I'm listening to what I needed to hear from myself.
Paulo CoelhoRead
Each stone, each bend cries welcome to him. He identifies with the mountains and the streams, he sees something of his own soul in the plants and the animals and the birds of the field.
Paulo CoelhoRead
We need to clear our minds of bad thoughts.
Paulo CoelhoRead
Having the courage to take the steps we always wanted to take is the only way of showing that we trust in God.
Paulo CoelhoRead
The fool who loves giving advice on our garden never tends his own plants
Paulo CoelhoRead
Sometimes the Warrior feels as if he were living two lives at once.
Paulo CoelhoRead

Similar quotes

Humble people can do great things with uncommon perfection because they are no longer concerned about their own interests and their own reputation, and therefore they no longer need to waste their efforts in defending them.
Thomas MertonRead
You never know the answers to the questions of life until you are asked.
Salman RushdieRead
Common sense suits itself to the ways of the world. Wisdom tries to confirm to the ways of heaven.
Joseph JoubertRead
One of the most obvious facts about grownups to a child is that they have forgotten what it is like to be a child.
Randall JarrellRead
The distinction between pretending you are better than you are and beginning to be better in reality is finer than moral sleuth hounds conceive.
C. S. LewisRead
We should all be concerned about the future because we will have to spend the rest of our lives there.
Charles KetteringRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.