“And the Source Devil did grin, for his darling sin > > Is pride that apes humility.”
These chilling lines come from Samuel Taylor Coleridge. They offer a sharp insight into human nature. The quote is brief but carries immense weight. It explores the dark side of a supposed virtue. Specifically, it unmasks the deception of false modesty. The words are a powerful warning. They reveal how pride can disguise itself in the most cunning ways.
This famous couplet is from the poem “The Devil’s Thoughts.” Coleridge first published this satirical work in 1799. Source He collaborated on it with his friend and fellow poet, Robert Southey . The poem follows the Devil as he joyfully observes human hypocrisy on Earth. Each stanza reveals a new sin that pleases him. However, the ultimate sin, his “darling sin,” is the focus of these lines.
Unpacking the Devil’s Delight
Let’s break down the first line: “And the Devil did grin.” The image of a grinning Devil is profoundly unsettling. This is not a laugh of simple mischief. Instead, it is a grin of deep, knowing satisfaction. The Devil finds genuine pleasure in witnessing a specific human failing. This action suggests he has found something truly special. It is a flaw that perfectly aligns with his own corrupt nature. He recognizes a masterpiece of moral corruption when he sees it. Therefore, his grin signifies approval of a particularly clever sin.
Pride That Apes Humility
The second line explains the reason for his joy. His favorite sin is “pride that apes humility.” This phrase is the core of the quote’s meaning. It describes the act of pretending to be humble. The word “apes” is crucial here. It implies a clumsy, insincere imitation. A person demonstrating this behavior does not possess true humility. Instead, they perform humility for an audience. They might downplay their achievements to receive more praise. Or they might act modest to manipulate others’ perceptions. This performance is a calculated act. It is fueled by an intense, underlying pride. The deception is what makes it so sinister and so appealing to the Devil.
The Psychology Behind the Sin
True humility is a virtue. It involves having a modest view of one’s own importance. Conversely, false humility is a dangerous vice. It uses the language of self-effacement to feed the ego. This is a profound form of self-deception. The person may even convince themselves they are being genuinely humble. However, their motivation is rooted in the desire for validation and superiority. They want others to contradict their self-criticism. For example, they might say, “Oh, this old thing? I just threw it on,” hoping to hear, “You look amazing!”
This behavior corrupts something good. It turns a virtue into a tool for arrogance. This is why Coleridge calls it the Devil’s “darling sin.” It is not an open, honest evil like rage or greed. It is a subtle, twisting poison. It hides in plain sight, cloaked in the robes of virtue. This makes it harder to spot and even harder to confront. The deception is what makes it so perfect from a demonic perspective. It is a lie that a person tells both to the world and to themselves.
Modern Echoes of a Darling Sin
Coleridge wrote these lines over two centuries ago. Yet, they feel incredibly relevant today. The concept of “pride that apes humility” is alive and well in the digital age. We often see it in the form of the “humblebrag.” People post on social media complaining about a minor inconvenience related to a major success. For instance, someone might tweet, “So exhausted from my book tour. I can’t wait to just sleep in my own bed!” The complaint masks the real intent: to announce their successful book tour.
This behavior extends beyond social media. We see it in corporate settings, politics, and public life. A leader might publicly take responsibility for a minor error to appear accountable. This can be a strategic move to avoid blame for larger systemic problems. They perform humility to build trust while deflecting deeper scrutiny. Therefore, Coleridge’s observation remains a timeless critique of a common human failing. It reminds us to look beyond the surface of proclaimed modesty. We must question the motivations behind the words we hear and the actions we see.