Nothing seems at first sight less important than the outward form of human actions, yet there is nothing upon which men set more store: they grow used to everything except to living in a society which has not their own manners.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- People care deeply about manners and social norms, even if they seem trivial.
- In plain terms
- Manners seem small but people strongly resist living without them.
- What can you take from it?
- Social norms hold societies together even when they appear minor.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What unspoken rules guide your behavior?
- Why do people follow etiquette?
Another view
Focusing too much on manners can hide deeper issues.
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