--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: You are a reasonably civil, complaisant…" description: "\"“You are a reasonably civil, complaisant creature on dry land,' said Stephen, 'but the moment you are afloat you become pragmatical and absolute, a bas..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ba/patrick-o-brian-2283_dry-land_you-are-a-reasonably-civil-complaisant-c_2453471.jpg" --- # You are a reasonably civil, complaisant creature on dry… ![“You are a reasonably civil, complaisant creature on dry land,' said Stephen, 'but the moment you are afloat you become pragmatical and absolute, a bashaw - do this, do that, gluppit the prawling strangles, there - no longer a social being at all. It is no doubt the effect of the long-continued…” quote by Patrick O'Brian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ba/patrick-o-brian-2283_dry-land_you-are-a-reasonably-civil-complaisant-c_2453471.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ba/patrick-o-brian-2283_dry-land_you-are-a-reasonably-civil-complaisant-c_2453471.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ba/patrick-o-brian-2283_dry-land_you-are-a-reasonably-civil-complaisant-c_2453471.jpg) > ““You are a reasonably civil, complaisant creature on dry land,' said Stephen, 'but the moment you are afloat you become pragmatical and absolute, a bashaw - do this, do that, gluppit the prawling strangles, there - no longer a social being at all. It is no doubt the effect of the long-continued habit of command; but it cannot be considered amiable.”” [Patrick O'Brian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-o-brian/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. When removed from familiar structures, people become pragmatic and lose social niceties, driven by command habits. **In simple terms:** Freedom from rules can make people harsh. Key Takeaway Recognize the impact of authority on behavior. Themes power social dynamics human nature Mood reflective critical Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - leadership training - team building - conflict resolution Key Concepts authority psychology behavioral change Questions to Reflect On - When have you felt more pragmatic after losing a familiar role? - Can authority ever improve social interaction? A Different Perspective Not all loss of social behavior is negative; context matters. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Habits](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/habits/) [Humour](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humour/) [Jargon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/jargon/) [Navy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/navy/) ## Related quotes > [A well-bred man is always sociable and complaisant.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michel-de-montaigne/a-well-bred-man-is-always-sociable-and-complaisant/) [Michel de Montaigne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michel-de-montaigne/) > [Why there you are, Stephen,' cried Jack. 'You are come home, I find.' That is true,' said Stephen with an affectionate look: he prized…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-o-brian/why-there-you-are-stephen-cried-jack-you-are-come-home-i-find-that-is/) [Patrick O'Brian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-o-brian/) > [Sir,’ said Stephen, ‘I read novels with the utmost pertinacity. 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"I think I should faint in her presence.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/l-p-hartley/how-terrifyingly-efficient-she-sounds-said-stephen-i-think-i-should/) [L.P. Hartley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/l-p-hartley/) > [“Stephen: You know, there’s a woman I get my coffee from every morning. 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