Art Quote by Astolphe de Custine
““In order to be polite, it is necessary to have something to give. Politeness is the art of doing to others the honours of the advantages we possess, whether of our minds, our riches, our rank, our standing, or any other source of enjoyment. To be polite, is to know how to offer and to accept with grace; but when a person has nothing certain of his own, he cannot give any thing.””
About This Quote
Source Book: La Vie de Henry Brulard, 1845
Politeness depends on having something valuable to share; without personal resources, offering genuine courtesy is difficult.
In simple terms: Politeness needs something to give.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate personal value before expecting to be polite.
Themes
courtesy
social capital
humility
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- networking events
- gift giving
- ment interactions
Key Concepts
reciprocity
self‑worth
Questions to Reflect On
- What can you offer beyond material wealth?
- How does humility affect your politeness?
A Different Perspective
Politeness can be superficial if based only on status.
