Boast Quote by Fanny Burney
![“The laws of custom make our [returning a visit] necessary. O how I hate this vile custom which obliges us to make slaves of ourselves! to sell the most precious property we boast, our time;--and to sacrifice it to every prattling impertinent who chooses to demand it!” quote by Fanny Burney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d6b/fanny-burney-7403_boast_the-laws-of-custom-make-our-returning-a_580819.jpg)
“The laws of custom make our [returning a visit] necessary. O how I hate this vile custom which obliges us to make slaves of ourselves! to sell the most precious property we boast, our time;--and to sacrifice it to every prattling impertinent who chooses to demand it!”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Evelina by Fanny Burney, 1778
Social expectations force people to spend time on obligatory visits, turning personal time into a commodity and creating a feeling of servitude.
In simple terms: Obligatory visits waste personal time and feel like servitude.
Key Takeaway
Guard your time and set boundaries.
Themes
social pressure
time management
personal autonomy
Mood
frustrated
reflective
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- family gatherings
- networking events
- mandatory meetings
- friend visits
- professional obligations
Key Concepts
cultural norms
social obligation
self‑value
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you politely decline without offending?
- What benefits might occasional visits bring?
A Different Perspective
Not all social interactions are harmful; some foster community and support.
![“I never pretend to be so superior a being as to be above having and indulging a hobby horse [her journal writing], and while I keep mine within due bounds and limits, nobody, I flatter myself, would wish to deprive me of the poor animal: to be sure, he is not formed for labour, and is rather lame…” quote by Fanny Burney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d52/fanny-burney-7403_animal_i-never-pretend-to-be-so-superior-a-bein_485407.jpg)
