Etiquette does not render you defenseless. If it did, even I wouldn't subscribe to it. But rudeness in retaliation for rudeness just doubles the amount of rudeness in the world.
Interpretation
Good manners protect you while avoiding unnecessary conflict. Responding rudely only perpetuates negativity.
This quote emphasizes the importance of etiquette and civility, suggesting that maintaining good manners does not make one vulnerable, contrary to what some might believe. Instead of responding to rudeness with more rudeness, which only amplifies negativity, it's better to uphold polite behavior to foster a more respectful environment.
In practice
Using this quote during a workshop on communication skills.
The rationale that etiquette should be eschewed because it fosters inequality does not ring true in a society that openly admits to a feverish interest in the comparative status-conveying qualities of sneakers. Manners are available to all, for free.
One reason that the task of inventing manners is so difficult is that etiquette is folk custom, and people have emotional ties to the forms of their youth. That is why there is such hostility between generations in times of rapid change; their manners being different, each feels affronted by the other, taking even the most surface choices for challenges.
A quarrelsome man has no good neighbours.
You really do learn every day with every dog; they are all so unique and different. But if you're patient and you understand where they're coming from, and if you are consistent, they will be fine. They teach you to give your full attention.
Cooperation isn't the absence of conflict but a means of managing conflict.
The hatred of those who are near to us is most violent.
We care what happens to people only in proportion as we know what people are.
Going back after a long time will make you made, because the people you left behind do not like to think of you changed, will treat you as they always did, accuse you of being indifferent, when you are only different.
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