Quote by Joseph Priestley, All About Ours
Many a man is praised for his reserve and so-called shyness when he is simply too proud to risk making a fool of himself.
Summary
This quote suggests that some individuals may be falsely revered for their perceived reserved or shy demeanor. However, the quote proposes that their apparent self-restraint may stem not from genuine shyness, but rather from an excessive amount of pride. These individuals may be unwilling to take risks or engage in situations where they fear they may appear foolish or be subject to criticism. The quote implies that instead of true modesty, their reserve and shyness is a disguise for their own inflated sense of self-worth.