Courtesy is a science of the highest importance. It is, like grace and beauty in the body, which charm at first sight, and lead on to further intimacy and friendship, opening a door that we may derive instruction from the example of others, and at the same time enabling us to benefit them by our example, if there be anything in our character worthy of imitation.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Courtesy helps build connections and allows people to learn from each other.
- In plain terms
- Being polite opens doors to friendship and learning.
- What can you take from it?
- Use courtesy to connect and teach.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does politeness help learning?
Another view
Courtesy can sometimes hide insincerity.
More from Michel de Montaigne
Covetousness is both the beginning and the end of the devil's alphabet- the first vice in corrupt nature that moves, and the last which dies.
Permalink to quote #60 Confidence in another man's virtue is no light evidence of a man's own, and God willingly favors such a confidence.
Permalink to quote #57 Death, they say, acquits us of all obligations.
Permalink to quote #61
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