Assuming Quote by Charles Caleb Colton
“That politeness which we put on, in order to keep the assuming and the presumptuous at a proper distance will generally succeed. But it sometimes happens that these obtrusive characters are on such excellent terms with themselves that they put down this very politeness to the score of their own great merits and high pretensions, meeting the coldness of our reserve with a ridiculous condescension of familiarity, in order to set us at ease with ourselves.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Miscellany, 1820
Politeness maintains social boundaries, but pretentious people may discard it, using false familiarity to manipulate.
In simple terms: Politeness sets distance; some fake it to control.
Key Takeaway
Beware false familiarity.
Themes
social etiquette
pretension
power dynamics
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- business meetings
- networking events
- political negotiations
- family gatherings
- online interactions
Key Concepts
social psychology
status
manipulation
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you recognize when familiarity is a mask?
- How does politeness affect trust?
A Different Perspective
Politeness can be weaponized, not always protective.
