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About this quote

What does it mean?
Poverty can lead to a breakdown in traditional social etiquette or manners.
In plain terms
Being poor can make it hard to keep your manners.
What can you take from it?
Expect stress on etiquette when resources are scarce.

Where it applies

  • economic hardship
  • public settings
  • social gatherings

Putting it to work

  • be patient with others
  • focus on needs not norms
  • support communities

Questions to consider

  • Why do poor people lose manners?
  • Is politeness a luxury?

Another view

Manners often persist even in poverty depending on cultural background.

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