Lift latch, step in, be welcome, Sir, Albeit to see you I'm unglad.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Courtesy requires welcoming a guest politely even when you privately wish they were not there.
- In plain terms
- Be polite to guests even if you are unhappy to see them.
- What can you take from it?
- Manners demand hospitality regardless of personal feelings.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is it dishonest to pretend to be happy?
- When can you refuse hospitality?
Another view
It assumes politeness always outweighs personal comfort.
More from Max Beerbohm
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