"I have often wished I had time to cultivate modesty... but I am too busy thinking about myself"
About this Quote
The quote by Edith Sitwell, "I have typically wanted I had time to cultivate modesty ... but I am too hectic thinking of myself", is a clever and reflective commentary on the human condition, particularly in relation to self-awareness and vanity.
First of all, the word "cultivate" recommends that modesty is a characteristic that requires deliberate effort and nurturing to develop. Modesty is often viewed as a virtue, identified by humbleness and a downplayed sense of one's own achievements and capabilities. To "cultivate" it suggests that modesty does not constantly come naturally and needs a conscious decision to concentrate on others rather than oneself.
Sitwell's admission of being "too busy thinking of myself" includes a paradoxical twist to the statement. It highlights the fundamental contradiction lots of people experience: a desire to be viewed as simple while concurrently being taken in by self-interest and self-reflection. This paradox is at the heart of the human experience, where ego and altruism often clash.
The quote also touches on the theme of time management and life top priorities. Sitwell humorously recommends that she lacks the time to concentrate on modesty due to the fact that she is preoccupied with herself. This could be a review of social pressures that prioritize individual success and self-promotion over communal or self-effacing worths.
Moreover, Sitwell's words can be analyzed as a self-deprecating remark. By admitting to considering herself, she deactivates prospective criticism of self-centeredness, turning it into a humorous and relatable confession. This self-awareness adds depth to the quote, recommending that acknowledging one's faults can be a course to individual growth, even if the objective to alter those faults isn't realized.
In essence, Sitwell's quote is an amusing reflection on the complexities of self-awareness, the challenge of embodying modesty in a self-focused world, and the humor discovered in recognizing one's own defects. It resonates with anyone who has actually experienced the tension in between wishing to be humble and the natural propensity to focus on oneself.