Abolish Quote by Alexander McCall Smith
“This is another thing which I really like investigating in my novels: what is it that makes an intimate society, that makes a society in which moral concern for others will be possible? Part of that I think are manners and ritual. We tried to get rid of manners, we tried to abolish manners in the '60s. Manners were very, very old-fashioned and un-cool. And of course we didn't realise that manners are the building blocks of proper moral relationships between people.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, 1998
Manners and rituals form the foundation of moral societies.
In simple terms: Politeness builds moral bonds.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate respectful habits to strengthen community ethics.
Themes
morality
manners
rituals
society
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
novel
philosophical
When to use this quote
- daily interactions
- community building
- education
Key Concepts
social cohesion
cultural norms
Questions to Reflect On
- What rituals foster empathy?
- Can manners evolve without losing moral value?
A Different Perspective
Over‑emphasis on form can become superficial.
