Acceptable Quote by Joseph Addison
“Complaisance renders a superior amiable, an equal agreeable, and an inferior acceptable.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Spectator, No. 236, 1712
Being overly accommodating makes one seem better than others, but also reduces personal standards and value.
In simple terms: Too much politeness lowers worth.
Key Takeaway
Balance kindness with self‑respect.
Themes
politeness
self‑esteem
social dynamics
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- networking events
- team meetings
- customer service
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
virtue ethics
social perception
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you compromise your standards to please others?
- When does friendliness become a weakness?
A Different Perspective
Excessive agreeableness can lead to being taken for granted.
![“In any case, open-seat presidential elections like 2008 just are different in character from incumbent reelects, and I think that's the most important thing about this election - is that once there's an incumbent running for reelection, most of the debate is about, "Has he [Barack Obama] done a…” quote by William Kristol](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0b0/william-kristol-9091_acceptable_in-any-case-open-seat-presidential-elect_36353.jpg)