quiet desperation

The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation.

~ Thoreau, Walden

http://simplymerry.blogspot.com/2007/06/price-of-life.html

of modesty

"...Ay, ay," continued he... "M. Frankenstein is modest, an excellent quality in a young man. Young men should be diffident of themselves, you know, M. Cherval: I was myself when young; but that wears out in a very short time."

~ Mary Shelley, Frankenstein