Were you to converse with a king, you ought to be as easy…
“Were you to converse with a king, you ought to be as easy and unembarrassed as with your own valet-de chambre; but yet every look,word, and action should imply the utmost respect… You must wait till you are spoken to; you must receive, not give, the subject of conversation, and you must even take care that the given subject of such conversation do not lead you into any impropriety.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Treat a powerful person with humility and respect while preserving personal ease and decorum.
In simple terms: Show respect to authority without losing self‑comfort.
Key Takeaway
Balance deference and confidence.
Themes
humility
respect
social etiquette
Mood
formal
respectful
Type
advice
etiquette
When to use this quote
- meeting a senior executive
- dinner with a dignitary
- political negotiation
- formal interview
Key Concepts
courtly behavior
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you maintain authenticity when respecting hierarchy?
- When might politeness become a barrier?
A Different Perspective
Over‑deference can suppress authentic voice.