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Be careful not to be the first to put your hands in the…

“Be careful not to be the first to put your hands in the dish. What you cannot hold in your hands you must put on your plate. Also it is a great breach of etiquette when your fingers are dirty and greasy, to bring them to your mouth in order to lick them, or to clean them on your jacket. It would…” quote by Desiderius Erasmus
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“Be careful not to be the first to put your hands in the dish. What you cannot hold in your hands you must put on your plate. Also it is a great breach of etiquette when your fingers are dirty and greasy, to bring them to your mouth in order to lick them, or to clean them on your jacket. It would be more decent to use the tablecloth.”

Desiderius Erasmus

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

One should avoid handling food with dirty hands; instead, use proper utensils or a clean surface to maintain hygiene and decorum.

In simple terms: Don’t touch food with dirty hands; use clean tools.

Key Takeaway

Practice clean handling of food.

Themes

hygiene etiquette mindfulness respect

Mood

considerate practical educational

Type

advice instructional historical

When to use this quote

  • Dining settings
  • food preparation
  • social gatherings

Key Concepts

Social norms personal cleanliness public behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we adapt etiquette to modern informal meals?
  • What simple habits improve dining hygiene?
A Different Perspective

May be overly rigid for casual contexts.

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