--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I really think next to the consciousness…" description: "\"I really think next to the consciousness of doing a good action, that of doing a civil one is the most pleasing; and the epithet which I should covet t..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/313/lord-chesterfield-757_action_i-really-think-next-to-the-consciousness_1814504.jpg" --- # I really think next to the consciousness of doing a good… ![“I really think next to the consciousness of doing a good action, that of doing a civil one is the most pleasing; and the epithet which I should covet the most next to that of Aristides, would be that of well-bred.” quote by Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/313/lord-chesterfield-757_action_i-really-think-next-to-the-consciousness_1814504.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/313/lord-chesterfield-757_action_i-really-think-next-to-the-consciousness_1814504.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/313/lord-chesterfield-757_action_i-really-think-next-to-the-consciousness_1814504.jpg) > “I really think next to the consciousness of doing a good action, that of doing a civil one is the most pleasing; and the epithet which I should covet the most next to that of Aristides, would be that of well-bred.” [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A good deed is rewarding, but a courteous, civilized act is even more delightful; aspiring to refined manners is a noble goal. **In simple terms:** Polite behavior feels better than just good deeds. Key Takeaway Cultivate courtesy alongside virtue. Themes manners virtue refinement Mood reflective thoughtful Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - daily interactions - public service - leadership - conflict resolution Key Concepts social etiquette ethical conduct Questions to Reflect On - How can you practice true courtesy? - What does being well‑bred mean to you? A Different Perspective Politeness can be superficial without genuine empathy. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Action](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/action/) [Consciousness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/consciousness/) [Epithet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/epithet/) [Good action](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/good-action/) [Good actions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/good-actions/) [Manners](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/manners/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) ## Related quotes > [To do an evil action is base; to do a good action without incurring danger is common enough; but it is the part of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/to-do-an-evil-action-is-base-to-do-a-good-action-without-incurring/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [What we have to do is act as clearly and with as pure motivation as is possible now, and that will sow the seeds…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/what-we-have-to-do-is-act-as-clearly-and-with-as-pure-motivation-as/) [Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/) > [As in all Abercrombie's books, friends turn out to be enemies, enemies turn out to be friends; the line between good and evil is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-riordan/as-in-all-abercrombie-s-books-friends-turn-out-to-be-enemies-enemies/) [Rick Riordan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-riordan/) > [The profit on a good action is to have done it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/seneca-the-younger/the-profit-on-a-good-action-is-to-have-done-it/) [Seneca the Younger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/seneca-the-younger/) > [A good action is preferable to an argument.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/voltaire/a-good-action-is-preferable-to-an-argument/) [Voltaire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/voltaire/) > [In the performance of a good action, we not only benefit ourselves, but we confer a blessing upon others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/philip-sidney/in-the-performance-of-a-good-action-we-not-only-benefit-ourselves-but/) [Philip Sidney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/philip-sidney/) > [There's good action stars. 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