Skip to content

Good manners, to those one does not love, are no more a…

“Good manners, to those one does not love, are no more a breach of truth, than "your humble servant," at the bottom of a challengeis; they are universally agreed upon, and understand to be things of course. They are necessary guards of the decency and peace of society.” quote by Lord Chesterfield
Download Open image
“Good manners, to those one does not love, are no more a breach of truth, than "your humble servant," at the bottom of a challengeis; they are universally agreed upon, and understand to be things of course. They are necessary guards of the decency and peace of society.”

Lord Chesterfield

About This Quote

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

Polite language is a social contract; courteous words maintain peace and order.

In simple terms: Politeness preserves social harmony.

Key Takeaway

Use respectful language consistently.

Themes

etiquette social harmony truth

Mood

formal educational

Type

ethical practical

When to use this quote

  • business meetings
  • diplomatic negotiations
  • everyday interactions
  • online discourse

Key Concepts

sociolinguistics ethical communication

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does courtesy affect trust?
  • When is honesty more important than politeness?
A Different Perspective

Politeness can mask insincerity.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Lord Chesterfield

Explore all 378 Lord Chesterfield quotes

More Bottom quotes

Browse all 2,558 Bottom quotes