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Be courteous to all, but intimate with few.
George Washington
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Be polite to everyone, but choose your close friends wisely.

This quote by George Washington emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between being respectful and friendly to all individuals while being selective about the deeper relationships we cultivate. It suggests that while courtesy is essential in interactions, true intimacy and close bonds are to be reserved for a select few who truly matter in our lives.

Themes

CourtesyRelationshipsFriendshipIntimacySelectivity

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be shared during a speech about building meaningful relationships.

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If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed.
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