Animals Quote by George Eliot
““We learn to restrain ourselves as we get older. We keep apart when we have quarrelled, express ourselves in well-bred phrases, and in this way preserve a dignified alienation, showing much firmness on one side, and swallowing much grief on the other. We no longer approximate in our behavior to the mere impulsiveness of the lower animals, but conduct ourselves in every respect like members of a highly civilized society.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Middlemarch, 1871
Maturity brings self‑control and dignified interaction, replacing raw impulse with civilized behavior.
In simple terms: Maturity = self‑control, dignified conduct.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate restraint, act with dignity.
Themes
maturity
self‑control
civilization
social grace
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- workplace conflict
- family gatherings
- public speaking
- community leadership
Key Concepts
psychology of aging
social etiquette
emotional regulation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance dignity with honesty?
- When is it appropriate to show vulnerability?
A Different Perspective
Rigid restraint can suppress authentic expression.
![“[W]e must learn to accommodate ourselves to the discovery that some of those cunningly-fashioned instruments called human souls have only a very limited range of music, and will not vibrate in the least under a touch that fills others with tremulous rapture or quivering agony.” quote by George Eliot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9be/george-eliot-84_agony_w-e-must-learn-to-accommodate-ourselves_12409.jpg)
