"People may flatter themselves just as much by thinking that their faults are always present to other people's minds, as if they believe that the world is always contemplating their individual charms and virtues"

This quote by Elizabeth Gaskell is a reminder to be humble and to not overstate our own importance. It suggests that we ought to not believe too extremely of ourselves, as we may be overstating just how much others think of us. We may think that everybody is continuously aware of our faults, but this is not always the case. Similarly, we might think that everyone is continuously appreciating our specific appeals and virtues, however this is likewise not necessarily real. This quote motivates us to be realistic and to not overstate our own significance. It is a reminder to be simple and to not take ourselves too seriously.