Plenty of people want to be pious, but no one yearns to be humble.

What did François de La Rochefoucauld mean by:

Plenty of people want to be pious, but no one yearns to be humble.

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The quote "Plenty of people want to be pious, but no one yearns to be humble" suggests that many people are drawn to the idea of being religious or virtuous (pious), but fewer people seek out humility. This could be because piety is often associated with outward displays of virtue that can be seen and admired by others, while humility is a quieter, less noticeable quality that doesn’t draw attention to itself.

In other words, people are more likely to strive for qualities that are visibly impressive or respected by others, rather than those that require self-effacement or modesty. This may be due to the human desire for recognition, approval, and status, which are more easily achieved through visible acts of piety than through humility.

In today’s world, this idea is still very relevant. We live in a society that often values outward displays of success and achievement over inner qualities like humility. For example, social media platforms encourage us to share our accomplishments and the best parts of our lives with others, which can lead to a culture of self-promotion and comparison.

However, in terms of personal development, striving for humility rather than piety can be more fulfilling and meaningful in the long run. Humility involves recognizing our own faults and limitations, and being open to learning and growing from our mistakes. It also involves putting others before ourselves and not seeking recognition or praise for our good deeds. This can lead to a deeper sense of inner peace and satisfaction, as well as more genuine and fulfilling relationships with others.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to strive for visible signs of piety or virtue, seeking humility can lead to a more authentic and meaningful life.

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