He is polite with dignity, affable without formality, distant without haughtiness, grave without austerity; modest, wise and good.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Washington describes a person who balances politeness with dignity and warmth without formality.
- In plain terms
- Be polite but dignified, friendly but not too casual.
- What can you take from it?
- Balance warmth with professionalism in interactions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you balance warmth and professionalism?
- Is formality ever necessary?
Another view
This ideal behavior may be difficult to sustain consistently.
More from George Washington
We had quitters during the Revolution too... we called them 'Kentuckians.'
Permalink to quote #126 More than all, and above all, Washington was master of himself. If there be one quality more than another in his character which may exercise a useful control …
Permalink to quote #128 The Jews work more effectively against us than the enemy's armies. They are a hundred times more dangerous to our liberties and the great cause we are engaged …
Permalink to quote #125
Related quotes
In deiner Kleidung verfalle nie in Nachlassigkeit, wenn du allein bist. Gehe nicht schmutzig, nicht krumm noch mit groben Manieren einher, wenn dich niemand be…
Adolf Freiherr KniggeAdolf Freiherr Knigge quote #7 Never complain and never explain.
Benjamin DisraeliBenjamin Disraeli quote #209 Hitler would go as white as a sheet and tightly clench his jaws, while his eyes would dilate. Everyone in his entourage would get panicky because these fits we…
Theodor MorellTheodor Morell quote #1