With people of only moderate ability modesty is mere honesty; but with those who possess great talent it is hypocrisy

With people of only moderate ability modesty is mere honesty; but with those who possess great talent it is hypocrisy

Arthur Schopenhauer, a renowned German philosopher, is often associated with the quote, “With people of only moderate ability modesty is mere honesty; but with those who possess great talent it is hypocrisy.” This statement reflects Schopenhauer’s belief in the importance of self-awareness and humility, especially in individuals who possess exceptional talent or intelligence.

Schopenhauer believed that true modesty is a virtue that comes from a genuine understanding of one’s own abilities and limitations. For individuals with only moderate ability, being modest is simply a matter of being honest about their skills and accomplishments. They do not have to pretend to be more talented or capable than they actually are because they are aware of their own limitations. In this sense, modesty is a form of honesty for people with average abilities.

However, Schopenhauer argued that for individuals who possess great talent or intelligence, modesty can become a form of hypocrisy. This is because truly talented individuals are often aware of their exceptional abilities, but they may choose to downplay them in order to appear humble or avoid drawing attention to themselves. In doing so, they may come across as insincere or disingenuous, as they are not being completely honest about their talents.

Schopenhauer believed that true humility comes from a genuine understanding of one’s own abilities and a willingness to acknowledge and accept them. He argued that individuals with great talent should not feel the need to hide or downplay their abilities in order to appear modest. Instead, they should embrace their talents and use them to make a positive impact on the world.