A plain grey linen sack with a bright peacock feather sticking out of the top, against a soft grey background.

Original artwork, not a still

Pride and Prejudice · 1813

Jane Austen

Nothing is more deceitful than the appearance of humility. It is often only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes an indirect boast.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The warning separates looking humble from being sincere. What seems modest may reflect an opinion offered carelessly, or it may be a boast delivered indirectly. The sharp opening invites suspicion of appearances: a self-effacing manner does not, by itself, settle what lies behind it.

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