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Pride, ill nature, and want of sense are the three great…

“Pride, ill nature, and want of sense are the three great sources of ill manners; without some one of these defects, no man will behave himself ill for want of experience, or what, in the language of fools, is called knowing the world.” quote by Jonathan Swift
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“Pride, ill nature, and want of sense are the three great sources of ill manners; without some one of these defects, no man will behave himself ill for want of experience, or what, in the language of fools, is called knowing the world.”

Jonathan Swift

About This Quote

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

The quote argues that pride, ill nature, and lack of sense are primary causes of bad manners, and without these flaws, people would not act poorly out of ignorance.

In simple terms: Pride, bad nature, and ignorance cause bad manners.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate humility and self‑awareness.

Themes

ethics human nature education behavior morality

Mood

reflective motivational

Type

ethical self‑improvement

When to use this quote

  • personal development
  • parenting
  • leadership

Key Concepts

virtue ethics psychology social norms

Questions to Reflect On

  • What habits can reduce pride and ignorance?
  • How can education improve manners?
A Different Perspective

Even with good intentions, lack of self‑knowledge can lead to poor behavior.

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