“When we refuse praise, we wish to be praised twice.”François de La Rochefoucauld · Maxime · 1665 · Maxima 149
Rejecting a compliment is a subtle invitation to receive it again, with greater force.
La Rochefoucauld reveals a subtle stratagem of vanity: refusing a compliment with modesty is an invitation for it to be repeated more insistently. For example, if someone says, 'No, I didn't do much,' they actually hope the other person will insist, 'Yes, you did a lot!'
Why it matters It helps us be honest with ourselves about our need for validation and to notice the same need in others.