It is better to have too much courtesy than too little…
“It is better to have too much courtesy than too little, provided you are not equally courteous to all, for that would be injustice.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
It is better to be overly courteous than insufficiently, but not to be equally courteous to everyone, as that would be unjust.
In simple terms: Excessive courtesy is preferable, but not equal courtesy to all.
Key Takeaway
Practice selective courtesy.
Themes
courtesy
justice
social etiquette
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- formal events
- customer service
- political negotiations
- family gatherings
Key Concepts
ethics
fairness
interpersonal relations
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you with courtesy?
- How does unequal courtesy affect fairness?
A Different Perspective
Uniform courtesy can erase necessary distinctions.