"Nothing is more deceitful than the appearance of humility. It is often only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes an indirect boast"

This quote by Jane Austen is a warning about the deceptive nature of humility. Austen is suggesting that humility is often utilized as a guise to hide one's true intentions. It can be used as a way to appear modest and unassuming, when in truth the individual is in fact trying to boast about their achievements. Austen is likewise recommending that humbleness can be a result of carelessness of viewpoint, indicating that a person might not understand the ramifications of their words and actions. This quote serves as a suggestion to be conscious of the way we present ourselves and to be familiar with the potential for incorrect humbleness. It is very important to be truthful and genuine in our interactions with others, and to be familiar with the capacity for incorrect humility.