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About this quote

What does it mean?
Being polite and socially acceptable is just as important as being smart to succeed.
In plain terms
You need manners to get ahead, not just intelligence.
What can you take from it?
Social skills are essential for success alongside talent.

Where it applies

  • job interviews
  • networking
  • leadership

Putting it to work

  • develop soft skills
  • practice etiquette

Questions to consider

  • How much do manners matter?
  • Can you succeed without being polite?

Another view

Competence often matters more than manners in technical fields.

More from Voltaire

  1. Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so too.

    Permalink to quote #92
  2. Anything that is too stupid to be spoken is sung.

    Permalink to quote #94
  3. The perfect form of government is democracy tempered by assassination.

    Permalink to quote #91

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