of a country
or people, at a given point in time, and is a measure against which an individual
in society
may be judged.
Modesty may be expressed in social interaction by communicating in a way exhibiting humility
, shyness
, or simplicity
. The general elements of modesty include:
- Downplaying one's accomplishments (see humilityHumilityHumility is the quality of being modest, and respectful. Humility, in various interpretations, is widely seen as a virtue in many religious and philosophical traditions, being connected with notions of transcendent unity with the universe or the divine, and of egolessness.-Term:The term "humility"...
) - Behavior, manner, or appearance intended to avoid impropriety or indecency
- Avoiding insincere self-abasement through false or sham modesty, which is a form of boasting.
A second expression of modesty, isolated from communication and human interface, focuses more on internal perception of superiority and may be expressed in the following ways:
- through work ethic,
- motivation for self improvement,
- and tolerance of others.
Physical modesty dominates the social stage.
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.
In short, if you banish modesty out of the world, she carries away with her half the virtue that is in it.
True modesty avoids everything that is criminal; false modesty everything that is unfashionable.
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.
On the contrary, modesty seldom resides in a breast that is not enriched with nobler virtues.
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.
Modesty never rages, never murmurs, never pouts; when it is ill-treated, it pines, it beseeches, it languishes.