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I should add, however, by way of justification of French…

“I should add, however, by way of justification of French politeness, that our fellow-countrymen are, when travelling, models of good manners in comparison with the abominable English, who seem to have been brought up in a stable, so careful are they not to discommode themselves in any way, while…” quote by Guy de Maupassant
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““I should add, however, by way of justification of French politeness, that our fellow-countrymen are, when travelling, models of good manners in comparison with the abominable English, who seem to have been brought up in a stable, so careful are they not to discommode themselves in any way, while they always discommode their neighbors.””

Guy de Maupassant

About This Quote

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

French travelers are portrayed as courteous, while English travelers are depicted as inconsiderate and overly cautious.

In simple terms: French manners praised, English seen as rude.

Key Takeaway

Observe and adopt considerate behavior when traveling.

Themes

politeness culture travel behavior comparison

Mood

amused critical reflective

Type

observational cultural commentary

When to use this quote

  • international travel
  • cross‑cultural interactions
  • hospitality
  • public conduct

Key Concepts

social etiquette national stereotypes

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do cultural stereotypes affect our expectations of travelers?
  • Can we learn from both French and English etiquette?
A Different Perspective

The generalization may overlook individual differences and regional variations.

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