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About this quote

What does it mean?
Shaw jokes about politeness overriding practicality; humor on social constraints.
In plain terms
Being lady-like stops you from fixing mistakes.
What can you take from it?
Politeness can block common sense.

Where it applies

  • social gatherings
  • professional settings
  • family interactions

Putting it to work

  • balance manners with honesty

Questions to consider

  • When does etiquette hurt?
  • Is politeness always good?

Another view

It’s satire, not a serious rule.

More from George Bernard Shaw

  1. What is life but a series of inspired follies? The difficulty is to find them to do. Never lose a chance: it doesn't come every day.

    Permalink to quote #169
  2. I don't want to talk grammar, I want to talk like a lady.

    Permalink to quote #171
  3. Women upset everything. When you let them into your life, you find that the woman is driving at one thing and you're driving at another.

    Permalink to quote #168

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