Civility Quote by Fanny Burney
“This perpetual round of constrained civilities to persons quite indifferent to us, is the most provoking and tiresome thing in theworld, but it is unavoidable in a country town, where everybody is known… 'Tis a most shocking and unworthy way of spending our precious irrecoverable time, to those who know not its value.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Evelina by Fanny Burney, 1778
Social rituals in small communities force polite but meaningless exchanges that waste time and feel burdensome.
In simple terms: Polite small talk in towns feels pointless and draining.
Key Takeaway
Choose genuine interaction over empty courtesy.
Themes
social etiquette
small-town life
time management
Mood
irritated
reflective
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- community gatherings
- daily greetings
- networking events
Key Concepts
civility
social pressure
meaninglessness
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prioritize efficiency over politeness?
- How can you make small talk more meaningful?
A Different Perspective
Such rituals can also maintain harmony and social cohesion.
![“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)
![“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)
