Foul language Quote by William Hazlitt
““Even a highwayman, in the way of trade, may blow out your brains, but if he uses foul language at the same time, I should say he was no gentleman.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “On the Superficiality of Manners,” 1820
Violence combined with vulgar speech reveals lack of true gentlemanliness.
In simple terms: A violent, rude person isn’t a gentleman.
Key Takeaway
Judge character beyond actions.
Themes
etiquette
violence
language
character
social norms
Mood
reflective
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
ethics
culture
behavior
When to use this quote
- personal conduct
- public discourse
- law enforcement
- education
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
social critique
behavioral analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines true gentlemanliness?
- Can civility replace aggression?
A Different Perspective
May overgeneralize from isolated incidents.
