How to Behave Quotes

“I believe that in the heart of a desert, or on an uninhabited island, a true gentleman would preserve all his dignity, and all his propriety and purity of conduct. I am sure that a true lady, in the privacy of her own apartment, is just as much a lady, as sweet, and delicate, and refined, and every way beautiful, as in the parlour, where I met her for a morning chat; or in the drawing-room, where she is the cynosure of the evening party. Because everywhere the free being acts out his true nature. His life is instinctive and genuine, and his training has perfected his capabilities; so that habit is a second nature, which he does not violate.”
― Thomas Low Nichols, How to Behave

“A rudeness to any person is an offence, and is even recognised as such in law. The neglect of politeness, in certain cases, is a positive rudeness. The man who does not do what is becoming to a gentleman, commits a sin of omission, which may be a very grave one. He who does not prevent an injury, when it is in his power, might almost as well inflict it. The man who neglects to save life is not much better than a downright murderer. So, a neglect of politeness may be the severest insult that can be offered.

Every breach of good manners is some violation of right. Every neglect of politeness is a failure in duty. Men and women are members of society, and have social wants and social duties growing out of their social relations. It is not enough that we let people alone, and injure no one. It is not enough to “cease to do evil; we must also “learn to do well.”
― Thomas Low Nichols, How to Behave

“And everything which contributes to the harmony of life in any being—every line of beauty, or motion of grace, or assemblage of pleasant colours, or concord of sweet sounds, is a real blessing; and every look, or word, or action, which gives pleasure and promotes happiness, becomes a high moral duty. This is no mere question of fancy, of caprice, of arbitrary custom, or fashion; but it is one of rights and duties, important enough for pulpits, and grave enough for legislators.”
― Thomas Low Nichols, How to Behave