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About this quote

What does it mean?
Politeness opposes selfishness and vanity; avoid tiring others with excessive talk.
In plain terms
Good manners mean not being selfish or talking too much to others.
What can you take from it?
Avoid self-centeredness and excessive talking to maintain good company.

Where it applies

  • conversations
  • meetings
  • dinner parties

Putting it to work

  • practice active listening
  • limit talk time
  • check for interest

Questions to consider

  • Do you talk too much?
  • How do you show consideration?

Another view

Some contexts require detailed talking to which may contradict this advice.

More from Thomas Jackson

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  2. Always look people in the face when addressing them, and generally when they address you.

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  3. 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 goo…

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