  Hume is another historical figure who at least doubted whether modesty is a virtue. Hume includes modesty in his list of “monkish virtues”—various non-virtuous traits associated with self-denial that masquerade as virtues. Other examples of monkish virtues given by Hume include celibacy, fasting, silence, and solitude. According to Hume these pseudo-virtues “… stupefy the understanding and harden the heart, obscure the fancy and sour the temper” (Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals sec. IX). Elsewhere, however, Hume seems more positive about modesty as when he writes: