Beauty Quote by William Hazlitt
“Perhaps propriety is as near a word as any to denote the manners of the gentleman; elegance is necessary to the fine gentleman; dignity is proper to noblemen; and majesty to kings.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “On the Fine Gentleman,” 1820
Manners, elegance, dignity, and majesty are hierarchical virtues appropriate to different social ranks.
In simple terms: Different virtues suit different ranks.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate the virtue appropriate to your role.
Themes
social hierarchy
virtue
etiquette
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- professional settings
- formal events
- family gatherings
Key Concepts
class distinction
personal development
cultural norms
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you adapt virtues across contexts?
- Can virtues be universal?
A Different Perspective
Rigid hierarchy may limit personal growth.
![“I wish to show that elegance is inferior to virtue, that the first object of laudable ambition is to obtain a character as a human being, regardless of the distinction of sex [...]” quote by Mary Wollstonecraft](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/445/mary-wollstonecraft-1568_beauty_i-wish-to-show-that-elegance-is-inferior_130145.jpg)
