No rent-roll nor army-list can dignify skulking and…
“No rent-roll nor army-list can dignify skulking and dissimulation: and the first point of courtesy must always be truth, as really all the forms of good-breeding point that way.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Courtesy requires honesty; truth is the foundation of good breeding.
In simple terms: Being truthful is the highest courtesy.
Key Takeaway
Practice honesty in all interactions.
Themes
honesty
courtesy
integrity
Mood
serious
contemplative
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- personal relationships
- public speaking
- media reporting
Key Concepts
Ethics
social norms
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you chosen truth over convenience?
- What costs arise from always being honest?
A Different Perspective
Truth can be socially risky.