Action Quote by John Dewey
“Good manners come, as we say, from good breeding or rather are good breeding; and breeding is acquired by habitual action, in response to habitual stimuli, not by conveying information.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Experience and Education by John Dewey, 1938
Good manners develop through repeated actions triggered by consistent stimuli, not just by instruction.
In simple terms: Manners are learned by habit, not teaching.
Cultivate positive habits.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- parenting
- school curricula
- workplace etiquette
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What habits shape your social behavior?
- How can you redesign stimuli for better manners?
Habits can be hard to change once formed.