Bragging about yourself violates norms of modesty and politeness – and if you were really competent, your work would speak for itself.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote delves into the realms of humility, competence, and the appropriate ways to showcase one's abilities or accomplishments. It suggests that true competence is often demonstrated through one's actions and work, and that overtly boasting about oneself contradicts the principles of modesty and politeness.
The first part of the quote, "Bragging about yourself violates norms of modesty and politeness," underscores the cultural and social expectations of humility and politeness in our interactions. Bragging, or excessively promoting one's own achievements or abilities, can be seen as a breach of these norms. It can come across as self-centered and inconsiderate of others' feelings, potentially alienating others in social and professional contexts.
The second part of the quote, "and if you were really competent, your work would speak for itself," challenges the notion that self-promotion is necessary to prove one's competence. It suggests that genuinely skilled and accomplished individuals do not need to overtly brag or boast about their abilities because their actions and the quality of their work should naturally demonstrate their competence. In other words, their achievements should be evident without the need for self-aggrandizement.
This quote encourages individuals to reflect on their approach to self-presentation and personal branding. It promotes the idea that focusing on producing excellent work and letting it speak for itself is a more authentic and effective way to gain recognition and respect. It also highlights the value of modesty and politeness in interpersonal interactions, emphasizing the importance of considering others' perspectives and feelings. Ultimately, the quote invites us to reconsider how we choose to showcase our abilities and accomplishments, with a preference for humility and the power of our actions over excessive self-promotion.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Bragging about yourself violates norms of modesty and politeness - and if you were really competent, your work would speak for itself." is often attributed to Adam Grant (Bio / Quotes). Adam Grant is an American organizational psychologist and author known for his books "Give and Take" and "Originals" and his TED Talks on motivation and success.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
