--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Politeness is the art of choosing among…" description: "\"Politeness is the art of choosing among one's real thoughts.\" — Abel Stevens" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/945/abel-stevens-45333_art_politeness-is-the-art-of-choosing-among_2944093.jpg" --- # Politeness is the art of choosing among one's real thoughts. ![“Politeness is the art of choosing among one's real thoughts.” quote by Abel Stevens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/945/abel-stevens-45333_art_politeness-is-the-art-of-choosing-among_2944093.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/945/abel-stevens-45333_art_politeness-is-the-art-of-choosing-among_2944093.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/945/abel-stevens-45333_art_politeness-is-the-art-of-choosing-among_2944093.jpg) > “Politeness is the art of choosing among one's real thoughts.” [Abel Stevens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abel-stevens/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Politeness involves selecting which thoughts to express, balancing honesty and social harmony. **In simple terms:** Politeness is choosing which thoughts to share. Key Takeaway Practice thoughtful self‑filtering in conversation. Themes communication social etiquette self‑control Mood reflective practical Type social psychological When to use this quote - work meetings - family gatherings - online interactions Key Concepts psychology ethics Questions to Reflect On - When should you speak your true thoughts? - How do you decide which thoughts are appropriate? A Different Perspective May suppress genuine feelings if over‑applied. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Art](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art/) [Manners](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/manners/) [Politeness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politeness/) [Real thoughts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/real-thoughts/) ## Related quotes > [Politeness is the art of choosing among your thoughts.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/madame-de-stael/politeness-is-the-art-of-choosing-among-your-thoughts/) [Madame de Stael](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/madame-de-stael/) > [“In order to be polite, it is necessary to have something to give. Politeness is the art of doing to others the honours of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/astolphe-de-custine/in-order-to-be-polite-it-is-necessary-to-have-something-to-give/) Astolphe de Custine > [The ultimate politeness in art consists of speaking only to those who are able to uncover and measure its relationships. 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