# Quotes about modesty - Quotes: 19 - Authors: 17 - Broader topic: [Quotes about humility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humility.md) - Topic page: https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty - JSON version (same data): https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.json ## Quotes > As for the medal itself, when I got back home, a question arise for which I really didn't have an answer: What exactly do I do with this thing? I don't know what most of the other recipients do, although I've asked a handful of them. A few have ordered up replacements so that they have something to wear and to show folks when they ask to see it, while they store the original in a safe-deposit box. Others keep the medal in a sock drawer or on their nightstand. As for me, I never bothered to ge a duplicate and I eventually took to carrying the original around in my front pocket. As a result, it's taken several accidental trips through the washing machine, so the gilded surface is a bit tarnished, and the blue ribbon has begun to fade. But that doesn't bother me a bit. In fact, I kind of like it that way, perhaps- in part- because I don't truly regard it as mine. > > Like it or not, there are eight other guys with whom I served to whom that medal rightly belongs, because heroes- true heroes, the men whose spirit the medal embodies- don't ever come home. By that definition, I'm not a true hero. Instead, I'm a custodian and a caretaker. I hold the medal, and everything it represents, on behalf of those who are its rightful owners. That, more than anything, is the truth that now sustains me- along with one other thing too, which is a belief I hold in my heart. > > I know, without a shred of doubt, that I would instantly trade the medal and everything attached to it if it would bring back even one of my missing comrades in arms. [Clinton Romesha](https://www.leafyquotes.com/clinton-romesha.md) · [Red Platoon](https://www.leafyquotes.com/clinton-romesha/red-platoon.md) · p. 369 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/clinton-romesha/red-platoon/as-for-the.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > "Hero" is a description tossed around lightly these days- like "star" or "celebrity"- another significant difference between the closing days of the twentieth century and the century's middle years, World War II. During the war the use of the phrase "You're a hero" was likely to bring on the quick rejoinder, "No, I'm not; I'm just doing my job here- like everyone else." The fighting men and women were so dependent on each other and shared so many common experiences they were embarrassed to be singled out. > > Some acts of heroism, however, were so breathtakingly conspicuous, so daring and vital to the military mission, they could not be overlooked or turned aside. In many instances they changed forever the lives of those who were decorated. Others who were decorated returned to the lives they would have had without the medal and the attention. > > If there is a common thread among the major medal winners, it is the same modesty expressed by Army nurse Mary Louise Roberts Wilson when she received the Silver Star. Almost to a person they have said to me, "I didn't win this medal. I merely accepted it for all the people who were with me." Nevertheless, they did win it, and the very qualities that led them to take great risks to save others served them well once they returned home. [Tom Brokaw](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tom-brokaw.md) · [The Greatest Generation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tom-brokaw/the-greatest-generation.md) · p. 103 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tom-brokaw/the-greatest-generation/hero-is-a-description.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > “Ashes, how did you do it?” > > “I’d like to say it was all my own talent, but cats are naturally modest.” [Django Wexler](https://www.leafyquotes.com/django-wexler.md) · [The Fall of the Readers](https://www.leafyquotes.com/django-wexler/the-fall-of-the-readers.md) · p. 329 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/django-wexler/the-fall-of-the-readers/ashes-how-did.md) Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [cats](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/cats.md), [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > In times like these, it is better to be insignificant [George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Storm of Swords](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-storm-of-swords.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-storm-of-swords/in-times-like.md) Topics: [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > He was in a state of doubt which passed very well for modesty. [Murray Leinster](https://www.leafyquotes.com/murray-leinster.md) · [The Pirates of Zan](https://www.leafyquotes.com/murray-leinster/the-pirates-of-zan.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/murray-leinster/the-pirates-of-zan/he-was-in-a-state.md) Topics: [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > If you concern yourself with telling or showing people how interesting you are, you will at best provoke a temporary response of polite interest until even that gives way to annoyance. If you let people find it out for themselves, you become a real source of fascination. [Derren Brown](https://www.leafyquotes.com/derren-brown.md) · [Tricks Of The Mind](https://www.leafyquotes.com/derren-brown/tricks-of-the-mind.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/derren-brown/tricks-of-the-mind/if-you-concern.md) Topics: [vanity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/vanity.md), [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > Be calm. A man can do but little. Enough if that little be right. [Poul Anderson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/poul-anderson.md) · [There Will Be Time](https://www.leafyquotes.com/poul-anderson/there-will-be-time.md) · p. 126 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/poul-anderson/there-will-be-time/be-calm-a-man.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > Knowledge both enlarges and multiplies our Desires, and the fewer things a Man wishes for, the more easily his Necessities may be supply'd. [Bernard Mandeville](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bernard-mandeville.md) · [The Fable of the Bees](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bernard-mandeville/the-fable-of-the-bees.md) · p. 328 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bernard-mandeville/the-fable-of-the-bees/knowledge-both-enlarges.md) Topics: [knowledge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/knowledge.md), [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > Because Impudence is a Vice, it does not follow that Modesty is a Virtue; it is built upon Shame, a Passion in our Nature, and may be either Good or Bad according to the Actions perform'd from that Motive. [Bernard Mandeville](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bernard-mandeville.md) · [The Fable of the Bees](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bernard-mandeville/the-fable-of-the-bees.md) · p. 65 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bernard-mandeville/the-fable-of-the-bees/because-impudence-is-a-vice.md) Topics: [shame](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/shame.md), [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > If laying aside all worldly Greatness and Vain-Glory, I should be ask'd where I thought it was most probable that Men might enjoy true Happiness, I would prefer a small peaceable Society, in which Men, neither envy'd nor esteem'd by Neighbours, should be contented to live upon the Natural Product of the Spot they inhabit, to a vast Multitude abounding in Wealth and Power, that should always be conquering others by their Arms Abroad, and debauching themselves by Foreign Luxury at Home. [Bernard Mandeville](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bernard-mandeville.md) · [The Fable of the Bees](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bernard-mandeville/the-fable-of-the-bees.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bernard-mandeville/the-fable-of-the-bees/if-laying-aside.md) Topics: [happiness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/happiness.md), [society](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/society.md), [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > “You are the oaken staff I lean on,” Taran said. “More than that.” He laughed. “You are the whole sturdy tree, and a true warrior.” > > Coll, instead of beaming, looked wryly at him. “Do you mean to honor me?” he asked. “Then say, rather, I am a true grower of turnips, and a gatherer of apples. No warrior whatever, save that I am needed thus for a while. My garden longs for me as much as I long for it.” [Lloyd Alexander](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lloyd-alexander.md) · [The High King](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lloyd-alexander/the-high-king.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lloyd-alexander/the-high-king/you-are-the.md) Topics: [humility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humility.md), [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > I am well aware that I am the umblest person going... My mother is likewise a very umble person. We live in a numble abode, Master Copperfield, but have much to be thankful for. [Charles Dickens](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-dickens.md) · [David Copperfield](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-dickens/david-copperfield.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-dickens/david-copperfield/i-am-well.md) Topics: [hypocrisy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/hypocrisy.md), [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > The man who had suffered so much had further revealed his greatness in modesty. By refusing to lead, Mugo had become a legendary hero. [Ngugi wa Thiong'o](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ngugi-wa-thiongo.md) · [A Grain of Wheat](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ngugi-wa-thiongo/a-grain-of-wheat.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ngugi-wa-thiongo/a-grain-of-wheat/the-man-who.md) Topics: [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > Humility is the fruit of inner security and wise maturity. To be humble is to be so sure of one’s self and one’s mission that one can forego calling excessive attention to one’s self and status. And, even more pointedly, to be humble is to revel in the accomplishments or potentials of others -- especially those with whom one identifies and to whom one is linked organically. (p38) [Cornel West](https://www.leafyquotes.com/cornel-west.md) · [Race Matters](https://www.leafyquotes.com/cornel-west/race-matters.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/cornel-west/race-matters/humility-is-the.md) Topics: [self-confidence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/self-confidence.md), [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > Great times call for great men. There are unknown heroes who are modest, with none of the historical glamour of a Napoleon. If you analysed their character you would find that it eclipsed even the glory of Alexander the Great. Today you can meet in the streets of Prague a shabbily dressed man who is not even himself aware of his significance in the history of the great new era. He goes modestly on his way, without bothering anyone. Nor is he bothered by journalists asking for an interview. If you asked him his name he would answer you simply and unassumingly: 'I am Švejk….' [Jaroslav Hašek](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jaroslav-hasek.md) · [The Good Soldier Svejk](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jaroslav-hasek/the-good-soldier-svejk.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jaroslav-hasek/the-good-soldier-svejk/great-times-call.md) Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [heroism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/heroism.md), [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > What good is modesty? — It makes us seem more beautiful when we are beautiful, and less ugly when we are ugly. [Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert.md) · [The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert/what-good-is-modesty.md) Topics: [beauty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/beauty.md), [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > Simple, sincere people seldom speak much of their piety. It shows itself in acts rather than in words, and has more influence than homilies or protestations. Beth could not reason upon or explain the faith that gave her courage and patience to give up life, and cheerfully wait for death. Like a confiding child, she asked no questions, but left everything to God and nature, Father and Mother of us all, feeling sure that they, and they only, could teach and strengthen heart and spirit for this life and the life to come. She did not rebuke Jo with saintly speeches, only loved her better for her passionate affection, and clung more closely to the dear human love, from which our Father never means us to be weaned, but through which He draws us closer to Himself. She could not say, "I'm glad to go," for life was very sweet for her. She could only sob out, "I try to be willing," while she held fast to Jo, as the first bitter wave of this great sorrow broke over them together. [Louisa May Alcott](https://www.leafyquotes.com/louisa-may-alcott.md) · [Little Women](https://www.leafyquotes.com/louisa-may-alcott/little-women.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/louisa-may-alcott/little-women/simple-sincere-people.md) Topics: [faith](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/faith.md), [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > Whom the gods notice they destroy. Be small...and you will escape the jealousy of the great. [Philip K. Dick](https://www.leafyquotes.com/philip-k-dick.md) · [The Man in the High Castle](https://www.leafyquotes.com/philip-k-dick/the-man-in-the-high-castle.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/philip-k-dick/the-man-in-the-high-castle/whom-the-gods.md) Topics: [jealousy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/jealousy.md), [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > Her finely touched spirit had still its fine issues, though they were not widely visible. Her full nature, like that river of which Cyrus broke the strength, spent itself in channels which had no great name on the earth. But the effect of her being on those around her was incalculably diffusive: for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs. [George Eliot](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-eliot.md) · [Middlemarch](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-eliot/middlemarch.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-eliot/middlemarch/her-finely-touched.md) Topics: [kindness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/kindness.md), [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md)