Andre Maurois: 'Modesty and unselfishness - these are the virtues which men praise - and pass by.'

Modesty and unselfishness - these are the virtues which men praise - and pass by.

In his quote, Andre Maurois captures a sentiment that is all too familiar in our society. He suggests that the virtues of modesty and unselfishness, despite being widely praised, are often overlooked or undervalued in practice. This raises the question of why we tend to admire these virtues in theory but fail to embody them in our daily lives.Modesty is often associated with humility and a lack of arrogance. It is a virtue that encourages individuals to be aware of their strengths and accomplishments without boastfulness or excessive pride. Unselfishness, on the other hand, is the act of putting the needs and well-being of others before our own interests. It involves selflessness and a willingness to give without expectation of receiving something in return.These virtues are revered in nearly every society and culture, yet it seems that they are rarely given the recognition they deserve. In a world driven by self-promotion and individualism, modesty and unselfishness can often be seen as weaknesses rather than strengths. In a society that values ambition and personal gain, those who display modesty and unselfishness may go unnoticed or be taken advantage of.However, is there a deeper reason why these virtues are often overlooked? Perhaps it is because they challenge the very fabric of our societal structure and the way we perceive success. Modesty and unselfishness place emphasis on the collective rather than the individual, and they call into question our materialistic and competitive nature.Interestingly, the noted philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche introduced a concept that seems to shed light on the human tendency to pass over these virtues. He argued that humility and selflessness can be viewed as forms of powerlessness. Nietzsche contended that individuals often perceive these virtues as signs of weakness and vulnerability, rendering them less desirable.This philosophical perspective adds a layer of complexity to our understanding of why modesty and unselfishness are often undervalued. It suggests that our society has been conditioned to equate power and success with assertiveness and self-interest. In our quest for personal achievement and recognition, we may overlook or dismiss those who embody modesty and unselfishness, perceiving them as lacking the drive and ambition that we admire.However, it is crucial to recognize the inherent strength that lies within these virtues. Modesty and unselfishness require a deep level of self-awareness, empathy, and compassion. These virtues enable individuals to create meaningful connections and foster a sense of harmony within communities. By reframing the perception of power and success, we can begin to appreciate the true value and significance of modesty and unselfishness.In conclusion, Andre Maurois' quote poignantly captures the paradoxical nature of our society's relationship with modesty and unselfishness. While these virtues are praised in theory, they are often passed over in practice. By delving into Nietzsche's philosophical concept of powerlessness, we gain insight into the societal conditioning that perpetuates this tendency. Ultimately, it is vital to recognize the strength and importance of modesty and unselfishness, as they have the potential to foster genuine connections and create a more compassionate and harmonious world.