All the world knows me in my book, and my book in me.
Michel De MontaigneRead
I have often seen people uncivil by too much civility, and tiresome in their courtesy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Excessive politeness can sometimes come off as insincere and annoying.
Michel De Montaigne suggests that while civility and courtesy are generally considered virtues, they can become excessive to the point of being counterproductive. Overly polite behavior may appear disingenuous and can lead to frustration or discomfort in social interactions, highlighting the importance of balance in how we conduct ourselves with others.
Themes
CivilityCourtesyExcessBalanceSocial Interactions
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on etiquette, this quote could be referenced to discuss the fine line between politeness and insincerity.
More from Michel De Montaigne
All quotes βAll I say is by way of discourse, and nothing by way of advice. I should not speak so boldly if it were my due to be believed.
Michel De MontaigneRead
Pythagoras used to say that life resembles the Olympic Games: a few people strain their muscles to carry off a prize; others bring trinkets to sell to the crowd for gain; and some there are, and not the worst, who seek no other profit than to look at the show and see how and why everything is done; spectators of the life of other people in order to judge and regulate their own.
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There is not much less vexation in the government of a private family than in the managing of an entire state.
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Those who have compared our life to a dream were right... we were sleeping wake, and waking sleep.
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Such as are in immediate fear of a losing their estates, of banishment, or of slavery, live in perpetual anguish, and lose all appetite and repose; whereas such as are actually poor, slaves, or exiles, ofttimes live as merrily as other folk.
Michel De MontaigneRead
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