Courtesy Quote by Friedrich Nietzsche
“Nobody thanks a witty man for politeness when he puts himself on a par with a society in which it would not be polite to show one's wit.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Beyond Good and Evil, 1886
Wit is often undervalued when it challenges social norms, so polite society rarely acknowledges it.
In simple terms: Polite society ignores cleverness that questions norms.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and value wit even when it feels uncomfortable.
Themes
social critique
wit
politeness
conformity
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- debates
- literary salons
- online forums
- political satire
Key Concepts
existentialism
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you reward wit that challenges norms?
- How does society benefit from honest cleverness?
A Different Perspective
Politeness can suppress honest expression and limit progress.
![“Todd's mother had several children by different fathers, and Todd [Willingham] had been abandoned in California. ... He's a good-looking man. He was a witty man, you know? Funny, caring. He wasn't arrogant, but he was kind of set in his ways. If he thought something, it was one way. You could show…” quote by Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c57/elizabeth-gilbert-131_abandoned_todd-s-mother-had-several-children-by-di_1279540.jpg)
