La politesse cache tres-imparfaitement l'egoisme general.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Politeness poorly hides general selfishness.
- In plain terms
- Politeness only masks selfish motives.
- What can you take from it?
- Look beyond manners to motives intent.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does politeness become deception?
- How can we discern true motives?
Another view
Politeness can also reflect genuine respect.
More from Honore de Balzac
L'homme qui nous parle est l'amant, l'homme qui ne nous parle plus est le mari.
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