---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: remember that even if you intend to kill…"
description: "\"“remember that even if you intend to kill a man, it costs nothing to be polite.”\" — S. M. Stirling"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/43f/s-m-stirling-2-43806_kill_remember-that-even-if-you-intend-to-kill_1144801.png"
---

#  remember that even if you intend to kill a man, it costs…

![“remember that even if you intend to kill a man, it costs nothing to be polite.” quote by S. M. Stirling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/43f/s-m-stirling-2-43806_kill_remember-that-even-if-you-intend-to-kill_1144801.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/43f/s-m-stirling-2-43806_kill_remember-that-even-if-you-intend-to-kill_1144801.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/43f/s-m-stirling-2-43806_kill_remember-that-even-if-you-intend-to-kill_1144801.png)

> ““remember that even if you intend to kill a man, it costs nothing to be polite.””

[S. M. Stirling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/s-m-stirling-2/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Even when planning harm, courtesy costs nothing and can change outcomes.

**In simple terms:** Politeness costs nothing even when hostile.

Key Takeaway

Practice courtesy always.

Themes

ethics conflict communication humanity

Mood

thoughtful cautious

Type

philosophical practical

When to use this quote

- business negotiations
- personal disputes
- diplomacy

Key Concepts

Moral choice social interaction psychology

Questions to Reflect On

- Can politeness defuse violence?
- When does courtesy become manipulation?

A Different Perspective

Politeness may be perceived as insincere.

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