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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker admits both their surface manners and deeper personality are flawed.
In plain terms
My bad manners on the outside are matched by bad manners inside.
What can you take from it?
Self-awareness of character flaws includes both social and internal traits.

Where it applies

  • personal growth
  • social interactions
  • self-critique

Putting it to work

  • acknowledge flaws
  • work on manners

Questions to consider

  • How honest are you about your flaws?
  • What manners do you dislike?

Another view

It assumes surface manners reflect deep character accurately.

More from William Saroyan

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  2. All great art has madness, and quite a lot of bad art has it, too.

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  3. I care so much about everything that I care about nothing.

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