Quote by Samuel Johnson
All censure of a man's self is oblique praise. It is in order to shew how much he can spare.
Summary
This quote by the 18th-century philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson suggests that when someone criticizes themselves, they may actually be seeking praise or validation from others. By acknowledging their own perceived flaws or faults, they are indirectly highlighting their strengths or capabilities. The act of self-censure can be seen as a subtle way of demonstrating their ability to rise above certain shortcomings, thus inviting admiration or recognition from those around them.