Good breeding consists in concealing how much we think of ourselves and how little we think of the other person.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- True politeness involves hiding self-importance and showing respect for others.
- In plain terms
- Good manners mean not talking about yourself much and valuing others more.
- What can you take from it?
- Humility defines good breeding.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is honesty better than politeness?
- Why do we value humility?
Another view
It suggests hiding true feelings is always best.
More from Mark Twain
Familiarity breeds contempt - and children.
Permalink to quote #119 Nature knows no indecencies; man invents them.
Permalink to quote #121 The radical invents the views. When he has worn them out the conservative adopts them.
Permalink to quote #118
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