Conventions Quote by Ford Madox Ford
“He wouldn't write a letter because he couldn't without beginning it 'Dear Sylvia' and ending it 'Yours sincerely' or 'truly' or 'affectionately.' He's that sort of precise imbecile. I tell you he's so formal he can't do without all the conventions there are and so truthful he can't use half of them.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Good Soldier, Ford Madox Ford, 1915
He is so bound by formal conventions that he cannot write a letter without strict adherence to opening and closing formulas, revealing his obsessive precision and inability to be informal.
In simple terms: He cannot write a letter without strict formalities.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when formality hinders authentic communication.
Themes
formalism
precision
communication
authenticity
Mood
iriculous
reflective
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- writing letters
- professional emails
- personal notes
- public speeches
Key Concepts
social conventions
personal expression
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- When does formality become a barrier?
- How can you balance politeness with authenticity?
A Different Perspective
Excessive formality can alienate readers and stifle genuine connection.
![“[A formula for answering controversial letters -- without even reading the letters:] Dear Sir (or Madame): You may be right.” quote by H. L. Mencken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f18/h-l-mencken-245_controversial_a-formula-for-answering-controversial-le_2795484.jpg)
![“[James] Madison pointed out in the discussion of the constitutional debates - the constitutional convention - that democracy would be a danger. He used England of course as the model and said suppose that in England everyone had the free right to vote; the poor, the propertyless - who are the…” quote by Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/069/noam-chomsky-42_constitutional-conve_james-madison-pointed-out-in-the-discuss_22456.jpg)
![“[The Massachusetts constitution] resembles the federal Constitution of 1787 more closely than any of the other revolutionary state constitutions. It was also drawn up by a special convention, and it provided for popular ratification - practices that were followed by the drafters of the federal…” quote by Gordon S. Wood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ebc/gordon-s-wood-13199_constitution_the-massachusetts-constitution-resembles_34263.jpg)
