proverb · Words worth keeping
Self praise is no recommendation.
Self praise is no recommendation.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Claiming your own excellence does not by itself give others a reason to trust that claim. Offer relevant evidence or let others assess the work, while recognising that truthful self-description can be useful.
Example
An applicant describes the tasks they completed and provides a suitable reference instead of relying solely on a statement that they are an exceptional organiser.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The proverb distinguishes praising oneself from providing a recommendation that someone else can examine. A strong claim about personal merit may sound impressive without showing what supports it. The saying does not require silence about skills or achievements: people may need to explain their experience in an application or introduction. The issue is whether the account supplies specific, accurate information rather than asking admiration to follow automatically. The useful response names the work done, its relevant results and any appropriate independent evidence, leaving the audience room to judge instead of presenting self-approval as a complete endorsement.
When to use it
Use it when self-approval is being offered in place of evidence for a claim of ability or achievement.
Keep in mind
Truthful self-description and confidence are legitimate; the concern is unsupported praise, not mentioning achievements.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
United Kingdom
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- English