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?
- Mark Twain defines good breeding as hiding one's self‑importance and thinking little of the other person.
- In plain terms
- Good breeding hides self‑importance and ignores others.
- What can you take from it?
- True modesty involves humility and genuine interest in others.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does true modesty look like?
- How can we balance humility with respect for others?
Another view
It contradicts the idea of caring for others.
More from Samuel Langhorne Clemens
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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