Good-breeding, or true politeness, is the art of showing men by external signs the internal regard we have for them. It arises from good sense, improved by good company. It must be acquired by practice and not by books.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- True politeness is showing internal regard through external signs, learned from practice and company rather than books.
- In plain terms
- True politeness shows you care about others; learn it from practice, not books.
- What can you take from it?
- Develop genuine manners through practice and social interaction.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you learn manners?
- Is politeness innate or learned?
Another view
Relying solely on practice may lack theoretical understanding of etiquette norms.
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