Good Manners Quotes
Witty sayings connecting politeness and honesty
These Good Manners quotes take a wry look at politeness, repeatedly linking good manners to a certain amount of polite dishonesty. They suggest social grace often involves knowing what not to say. Read more Good quotes.
The Japanese have perfected good manners and made them indistinguishable from rudeness.
Politeness is only one half good manners and the other half good lying.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What witty claim do these Good Manners quotes repeat?
Two quotes both argue that politeness is essentially half good manners and half good lying, pointing to a bit of harmless deception in politeness. See Half quotes.
Do these quotes compare good manners to bad manners?
Yes, one states good manners earn as much appreciation as bad manners draw scorn, showing both provoke strong reactions. See Bad Manners quotes.
Is there a cultural example of good manners in this collection?
Yes, one observes that a particular culture perfected good manners to the point they became indistinguishable from rudeness.
Are good manners always described as sincere in these quotes?
No, the recurring joke about "good lying" suggests good manners often involve a polite, socially useful kind of dishonesty. See Good quotes.
What's the overall tone of these Good Manners quotes?
Sharp and a little cynical, treating politeness as a social skill worth examining rather than simply praising.
Other lines compare good manners directly to their opposite, noting how one culture's politeness can look almost identical to rudeness, and how both extremes provoke strong reactions. See related Bad Manners quotes and Half quotes.
