Civility Quote by Molly Ivins
“Nice is a pallid virtue. Not like honesty or courage or perseverance. On the other hand, in a nation notably lacking in civility, there is much to be said for nice.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "Nice is a pallid virtue", 1990s, The Nation
In a society lacking civility, niceness, though weak, becomes valuable compared to stronger virtues like honesty or courage.
In simple terms: Niceness matters when civility is low.
Key Takeaway
Promote civility alongside deeper virtues.
Themes
civility
niceness
honesty
courage
virtue
Mood
wry
critical
Type
satirical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- public discourse
- community standards
- education curricula
- media analysis
Key Concepts
social ethics
political commentary
cultural criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- When is niceness insufficient?
- How can stronger virtues be encouraged?
A Different Perspective
Niceness alone may not solve deeper societal issues.
