--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: This starchy formality is not in vogue…" description: "\"“This starchy formality is not in vogue today. We carry ourselves in ways that are more natural and relaxed. We worry about appearing artificial. But t..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c9f/david-brooks-644_courage_this-starchy-formality-is-not-in-vogue-t_2156231.png" --- # This starchy formality is not in vogue today. We carry… ![“This starchy formality is not in vogue today. We carry ourselves in ways that are more natural and relaxed. We worry about appearing artificial. But those in Marshall's military world are more likely to believe that great individuals are made, not born, and that they are made through training…” quote by David Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c9f/david-brooks-644_courage_this-starchy-formality-is-not-in-vogue-t_2156231.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c9f/david-brooks-644_courage_this-starchy-formality-is-not-in-vogue-t_2156231.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c9f/david-brooks-644_courage_this-starchy-formality-is-not-in-vogue-t_2156231.png) > ““This starchy formality is not in vogue today. We carry ourselves in ways that are more natural and relaxed. We worry about appearing artificial. But those in Marshall's military world are more likely to believe that great individuals are made, not born, and that they are made through training. Change happens form the outside in. It is through the exercise of a drill that a person becomes self-regulating. It is through the expression of courtesy that a person becomes polite. It is through the resistance to fear that a person develops courage. It is through the control of facial expressions that one becomes sober. The act precedes the virtue.”” [David Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-brooks/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote argues that virtues are cultivated through practiced behaviors and external discipline, not innate talent. **In simple terms:** Virtues develop through practiced actions. Key Takeaway Practice habits to build character. Themes discipline training character virtue self‑regulation Mood reflective inspirational Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - leadership development - personal growth - education - military training - public speaking Key Concepts habit formation behavioral conditioning psychology Questions to Reflect On - What habits can you adopt to develop a desired virtue? - How does external discipline shape inner character? 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I want to go out there and play great.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-brady/i-am-not-a-person-that-s-self-satisfied-just-being-out-there-i-want/) [Tom Brady](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-brady/) > [I am a caring person, I will be there for everyone but I am a very self-centered person. My approach towards people is very…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karan-kundrra/i-am-a-caring-person-i-will-be-there-for-everyone-but-i-am-a-very/) [Karan Kundrra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karan-kundrra/) > [Self perception makes you the person of self worth. If you have conviction and courage you can achieve anything.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anil-kumar-sinha/self-perception-makes-you-the-person-of-self-worth-if-you-have/) [Anil Kumar Sinha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anil-kumar-sinha/) > [Don't live your life to please other people. Because the only person you should please is yourself. If your own self is not satisfied…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anurag-prakash-ray/don-t-live-your-life-to-please-other-people-because-the-only-person/) [Anurag Prakash Ray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anurag-prakash-ray/) ## More by David Brooks > [The brain is not the mind. It is probably impossible to look at a map of brain activity and predict or even understand the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-brooks/the-brain-is-not-the-mind-it-is-probably-impossible-to-look-at-a-map/) [David Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-brooks/) > [When you're running for president, you're a guest in the living room for four years. 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