Who said “Modesty is not only an ornament, but also a guard to virtue.”?

Verified

Joseph Addison. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceNo. 231 (24 November 1711)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

Source checked · Something wrong? Report a correction

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: No. 231 (24 November 1711).

APA

Addison, J. (n.d.). Modesty is not only an ornament, but also a guard to virtue. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/22239-modesty-is-not-only-an-ornament-but-also/

MLA

Addison, Joseph. “Modesty is not only an ornament, but also a guard to virtue.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/22239-modesty-is-not-only-an-ornament-but-also/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Addison, Joseph. “Modesty is not only an ornament, but also a guard to virtue.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/22239-modesty-is-not-only-an-ornament-but-also/.