Humor Quote by Dorothy Dunnett
““To save our friends’ nerves, I suggest we meet on a plane of brutal courtesy. It need not interfere with our mutual distrust.” -Francis Crawford of Lymond””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Lymond Chronicles, 1961
Polite civility can mask deep mistrust, allowing interaction without genuine connection.
In simple terms: Politeness hides true feelings.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when courtesy is a shield.
Themes
politics
trust
social masks
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- diplomatic negotiations
- family gatherings
- business deals
Key Concepts
civility
distrust
strategic interaction
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “brutal courtesy” reveal about power?
- Can trust be rebuilt after such masks?
A Different Perspective
Politeness can also be manipulative.
![“[S]ometimes, when you are a food person, the possible irrelevance of what you are doing doesn’t cross your mind until it’s too late. (Once, for example, when I was just starting out in the food business, I was hired by the caper people to develop a lot of recipes using capers, and it was weeks of…” quote by Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d79/nora-ephron-1217_business_s-ometimes-when-you-are-a-food-person-th_980.jpg)
