Skip to content

Courteous Quote by George Herbert

“He that owes nothing, if he makes not mouthes at us, is courteous.” quote by George Herbert
Download Open image
“He that owes nothing, if he makes not mouthes at us, is courteous.”

George Herbert

About This Quote

Source Poem: The Temple, 1633

Courteousness is shown by not demanding debts or complaints.

In simple terms: Being polite means not demanding what you owe.

Key Takeaway

Practice humility and avoid demanding.

Themes

courtesy humility social etiquette

Mood

reflective calm

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • business meetings
  • family dinners
  • public service

Key Concepts

Christian ethics social norms

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you balanced courtesy with asserting rights?
  • Is silence always polite?
A Different Perspective

Being too modest may hide legitimate grievances.

4.7 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by George Herbert

Explore all 1,285 George Herbert quotes

More Courteous quotes

Browse all 161 Courteous quotes