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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.” quote by Thorstein Veblen
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“There are few things that so touch us with instinctive revulsion as a breach of decorum.”

Thorstein Veblen

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.

Key Takeaway

Respect norms to avoid social backlash.

Themes

social etiquette instinctive revulsion norms

Mood

disgust contempt

Type

observational analytical

When to use this quote

  • formal events
  • workplace meetings
  • public speaking
  • online forums

Key Concepts

Sociology behavioral psychology

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?
A Different Perspective

People may still find breaches tolerable if they serve a higher purpose.

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