---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Politeness costs nothing. Nothing, that…"
description: "\"Politeness costs nothing. Nothing, that is, to him that shows it; but if often costs the world very dear.\" — William Allingham"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f2d/william-allingham-16552_cost_politeness-costs-nothing-nothing-that-is_1968199.png"
---

#  Politeness costs nothing. Nothing, that is, to him that…

![“Politeness costs nothing. Nothing, that is, to him that shows it; but if often costs the world very dear.” quote by William Allingham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f2d/william-allingham-16552_cost_politeness-costs-nothing-nothing-that-is_1968199.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f2d/william-allingham-16552_cost_politeness-costs-nothing-nothing-that-is_1968199.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f2d/william-allingham-16552_cost_politeness-costs-nothing-nothing-that-is_1968199.png)

> “Politeness costs nothing. Nothing, that is, to him that shows it; but if often costs the world very dear.”

[William Allingham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-allingham/)

## About This Quote

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

Politeness is free for the giver but can be costly for those who ignore it, affecting society at large.

**In simple terms:** Politeness costs nothing for the giver but can hurt others.

Key Takeaway

Practice courtesy, it benefits all.

Themes

courtesy social responsibility interpersonal relations

Mood

considerate empathetic

Type

moral social

When to use this quote

- daily interactions
- customer service
- teamwork
- public discourse
- conflict resolution

Key Concepts

ethical behavior social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

- How does your politeness affect others?
- When is it okay to with politeness?

A Different Perspective

If others are rude, politeness may be exploited.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Politeness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politeness/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/)

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