There are few things that so touch us with instinctive…
“There are few things that so touch us with instinctive revulsion as a breach of decorum.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Violating social etiquette triggers a deep, instinctive disgust because it threatens shared norms.
In simple terms: Breaking manners feels repulsive.
Respect norms to avoid social backlash.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- formal events
- workplace meetings
- public speaking
- online forums
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we feel stronger revulsion to decorum breaches than to other offenses?
- Can intentional rule-breaking ever be socially constructive?
People may still find breaches tolerable if they serve a higher purpose.