Quote by Harriet Martineau
Fidelity to conscience is inconsistent with retiring modesty. If it be so, let the modesty succumb. It can be only a false modesty which can be thus endangered.
Summary
This quote, attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, suggests that staying true to one's conscience and moral values may require individuals to set aside their modesty. Gandhi implies that if our modesty prevents us from standing up for what we believe in, then it is a superficial and deceptive form of modesty. In other words, genuine humility should not hinder our ability to act morally or defend our principles. The quote urges individuals to prioritize their inner convictions over the constraints of societal norms or false modesty in order to uphold and live by their conscience.