First sight Quote by Alexis de Tocqueville
“Nothing seems at first sight less important than the outward form of human actions, yet there is nothing upon which men set more store: they grow used to everything except to living in a society which has not their own manners.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Democracy in America, 1835
People focus on outward actions, neglecting the importance of shared manners, leading to a society lacking common etiquette.
In simple terms: Society forgets manners.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate shared etiquette.
Themes
society
culture
manners
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- public spaces
- community building
- education
Key Concepts
social cohesion
civic virtue
Questions to Reflect On
- How can communities reinforce shared manners?
- What role do institutions play in etiquette?
A Different Perspective
Changing norms can erode common decency.
![“p.61 He [Roark] was usually disliked, from the first sight of his face, anywhere he went. His face was closed like the door of a safety vault; things locked in safety vaults are valuable; men did not care to feel that. He was a cold, disquieting presence in the room; his presence had a strange…” quote by Ayn Rand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/576/ayn-rand-59_care_p-61-he-roark-was-usually-disliked-from_38338.jpg)
