"What hypocrites we seem to be whenever we talk of ourselves! Our words sound so humble, while our hearts are so proud"

The quote by Augustus Hare, "What hypocrites we appear to be whenever we talk of ourselves! Our words sound so humble, while our hearts are so happy", resonates with the complicated interplay between self-perception and external expression. It highlights the dichotomy between the image we project and the real essence of our inner selves.

At the core of Hare's observation is the idea of hypocrisy, which comes from a disparity between one's proclaimed beliefs or sensations and one's real behavior or character. This quote recommends that when people speak about themselves, they often make every effort to present an exterior of humility. They pick words and phrases that minimize their achievements, offer credit to others, or appear self-effacing, producing an impression of modesty. Nevertheless, these outward expressions may not necessarily reflect their internal state of being.

Using humbleness as a social tool raises the idea of social norms dictating our language and attitude. Society tends to worth modesty, seeing it as a virtue. As a result, people might knowingly or unconsciously embrace a modest tone when discussing their accomplishments or character, lining up with these expectations to gain social acceptance or to avoid criticism. However, this external layer of humbleness may be shallow, masking an underlying pride or sense of supremacy.

The "proud hearts" that Hare mentions represent a natural, frequently unacknowledged self-regard that disputes with the humility we outwardly convey. This suggests that deep within, individuals may possess a strong sense of self-regard, pride in their accomplishments, and even a desire for recognition that they think twice to expose freely. This internal pride might be rooted in individual achievements, worths, or a sense of identity that does not require external validation however nevertheless exists in stress with the humbleness projected.

In essence, Hare's quote highlights the human propensity to mask true feelings and thoughts in socially appropriate behaviors and words, exposing a remarkable inequality between our inherent personalities and revealed attitudes. This stress in between humbleness and pride invites deeper reflection on the authenticity of self-presentation and the motivations driving our spoken interactions.