“And the Devil did grin, for his darling sin Is pride that apes humility.”
This powerful couplet from Samuel Taylor Coleridge cuts to the heart of a complex human failing. It reveals a specific type of hypocrisy that is both subtle and profoundly corrupting. While many sins are obvious, this one wears the mask of virtue. Consequently, it becomes a uniquely dangerous form of deception. The quote warns us about the insidious nature of false modesty. It exposes the pride that hides behind a humble facade. Let’s explore the origins and deep meaning of these famous lines.
The Devil’s Grand Tour: Origin of the Quote
These lines are not from a dense philosophical work. Source Instead, they come from a satirical poem titled “The Devil’s Thoughts.” Coleridge first published this poem in the Morning Post on September 6, 1799 . The poem humorously describes the Devil taking a walk on Earth. He observes humanity and takes note of the sins that please him most.
Throughout his journey, the Devil sees many familiar vices. He witnesses greed, vanity, and cruelty in various forms. For example, he sees an apothecary marking up prices and a lawyer finding loopholes. He watches generals and politicians with cynical amusement. However, none of these common sins elicit the same delight as the one mentioned in our quote. It is the sight of pride pretending to be its opposite that earns his widest grin. This specific observation highlights the sin’s special status in the hierarchy of evil.
Deconstructing the ‘Darling Sin’
To fully grasp the quote, we must break it down. The first line, “And the Devil did grin,” immediately sets a chilling tone. This is not a frown of disapproval; it is a smile of deep satisfaction. The Devil recognizes a masterpiece of human corruption. The phrase “his darling sin” further elevates its status. This suggests it is his most cherished, his absolute favorite. It is the sin he holds dearest because it is so effective.
The core of the idea lies in the final line: “Is pride that apes humility.” Pride is often considered a foundational sin. It is an excessive belief in one’s own abilities. Humility, in contrast, is the virtue of having a modest view of one’s importance. The verb “to ape” means to imitate or mimic, usually in a mocking or superficial way. Therefore, the Devil’s favorite sin is not simple arrogance. Instead, it is the act of performing humility to conceal an enormous ego. It is a calculated display meant to deceive others and earn unmerited praise.
Why Is False Humility So Vile?
Coleridge suggests that this particular sin is the most diabolical because it perverts a virtue. Overt pride is easy to spot and condemn. Someone who is openly arrogant invites criticism. However, false humility is far more insidious. It weaponizes the appearance of virtue for selfish gain. A person practicing it seeks the social rewards of being seen as humble, while secretly nurturing their own superiority.
This behavior is profoundly deceptive. It fools others into letting their guard down. Furthermore, it often fools the person themselves, who may come to believe their own performance. They convince themselves they are genuinely modest, all while their actions are driven by a deep-seated need for admiration. This self-deception poisons the soul from within. It creates a character built on a foundation of lies. The Devil grins because this sin corrupts not only the individual’s actions but also their very identity and their relationship with truth.
Timeless Relevance in the Modern World
The concept of “pride that apes humility” remains incredibly relevant today. We see it constantly in public life and on social media. The “humblebrag” is a perfect modern example. This is when someone complains about a situation in a way that is actually meant to draw attention to their success or talent. For instance, a person might say, “I’m so exhausted from my two international business trips this week.”
We also observe this behavior in leaders who adopt a folksy, self-deprecating persona to appear relatable, all while pursuing power relentlessly. In the corporate world, it can manifest as “virtue signaling,” where companies publicly champion social causes to improve their image without making substantive changes. In all these cases, the appearance of humility or virtue is a tool. It is a carefully crafted performance designed to mask underlying pride and ambition. Coleridge’s words remind us to look past the performance and question the motives behind displays of modesty. True humility is quiet and authentic; it does not need an audience.