Pretension, Pretensions Quotes

We all wear some disguise, make some professions, use some artifice, to set ourselves off as being better than we are; and yet it is not denied that we have some good intentions and praiseworthy qualities at bottom.

Ostentation is the signal flag of hypocrisy.

A man who does not endeavour to seem more than he is will generally be thought nothing of. We habitually make such large deductions for pretence and imposture that no real merit will stand against them. It is necessary to set off our good qualities with a certain air of plausibility and self-importance, as some attention to fashion is necessary.

Activism is a way for useless people to feel important, even if the consequences of their activism are counterproductive for those they claim to be helping and damaging to the fabric of society as a whole.

When intelligent people pride themselves on not understanding, it is quite natural they should succeed better than fools.

We understand how dangerous a mask can be. We all become what we pretend to be.

Extreme vanity sometimes hides under the garb of ultra modesty.

Rock n' roll doesn't change. All the idiocies and pretension continue.

Perhaps it's impossible to wear an identity without becoming what you pretend to be.

Now the trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed.

You're never totally sure. I shouldn't say that because you have to pretend you're completely self-secure all the time. But, the truth is, I know what I'm doing. I think I know what I'm doing.

Films are always pretentious. There's nothing more pretentious than a filmmaker.

Pride perceiving humility honorable, often borrows her cloak.

The worst crime is faking it.

There is never vulgarity in a whole truth, however commonplace. It may be unimportant or painful. It cannot be vulgar. Vulgarity is only in concealment of truth, or in affectation.

Virtue must be valuable, if men and women of all degrees pretend to have it.

We pretend to be strong because we are weak.

I'm a short, fairly plain person who's bluffing his case and getting away with it.

Many, affecting wit beyond their power, Have got to be a dear fool for an hour.

In economics, hope and faith coexist with great scientific pretension and also a deep desire for respectability.

There are four types of men in this world: 1. The man who knows, and knows that he knows; he is wise, so consult him. 2. The man who knows, but doesn't know that he knows; help him not forget what he knows. 3. The man who knows not, and knows that he knows not; teach him. 4. Finally, there is the man who knows not but pretends that he knows; he is a fool, so avoid him.

Americans are generally very self-sufficient and I think generally averse to pretension, just as I am.

I would rather be stupid than pretend to be intelligent.

Affectation hath always had a greater share both in the action and discourse of men than truth and judgment have.

Patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings.