Acquaintance Quote by Michel de Montaigne
“Courtesy, like grace and beauty, that which begets liking and inclination to love one another at the first sight, and in the very beginning of our acquaintance and familiarity; and, consequently, that which first opens the door for us to better ourselves by the example of others, if there be anything in the society worth notice”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Essays by Michel de Montaigne, 1580
Courtesy fosters immediate affection and opens pathways for personal growth through positive social examples.
In simple terms: Politeness creates connection and self‑improvement.
Key Takeaway
Practice kindness to build trust.
Themes
courtesy
social influence
personal development
Mood
warm
encouraging
Type
ethical
interpersonal
When to use this quote
- first meetings
- team building
- mentoring
- community events
Key Concepts
reciprocity
social modeling
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you demonstrate courtesy in a tense situation?
- What habits reinforce genuine kindness?
A Different Perspective
Courtesy alone cannot fix deeper systemic issues.
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