Etiquette Quotes

Etiquette is the code that governs the expectations of social behavior, the conventional norm. It is an unwritten code, which evolves from written rules. It usually reflects a theory of conduct that society or tradition has invested heavily in. Like "culture", it is a word that has gradually grown plural, especially in a multi-ethnic society with many clashing expectations.

Your etiquettes go a long way in defining what kind of a person you are.

These following quotes can be used to define the basic rules of socially acceptable behavior as well as to present some of the finest behavior patterns observed over the centuries and across different cultures. They can be used to underline the importance of etiquettes in a cultured society:

Don't reserve your best behavior for special occasions. You can't have two sets of manners, two social codes - one for those you admire and want to impress, another for those whom you consider unimportant. You must be the same to all people.
Lillian Eichler Watson

Etiquette has no regard for moral qualities.
Douglas William Jerrold

It is wise to apply the oil of refined politeness to the mechanisms of friendship.
Colette

Trifles themselves are elegant in him.
Alexander Pope

Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength.
Eric Hoffer

A finished person is a boring person.
Anna Quindlen

We don't bother much about dress and manners in England, because as a nation we don't dress well and we've no manners.
George Bernard Shaw

Etiquette is the invention of wise men to keep fools at a distance.
Sir Richard Steele

One of the greatest victories you can gain over someone is to beat him at politeness.
Josh Billings

To have respect for ourselves guides our morals; and to have deference for others governs our manners.
Lawrence Sterne

A man may with more impunity be guilty of an actual breach, either of real good breeding or good morals, than appear ignorant of the most minute points of fashionable etiquette.
Sir Walter Scott

Etiquette is the ceremonial code of polite life, more voluminous and minute in each portion of society according to its rank.
John Ramsay McCulloch

Associate with well-mannered persons and your manners will improve. Run around with decent folk and your own decent instincts will be strengthened.
Stanley Walker

Starch makes the gentleman, etiquette the lady.
George Bryan Brummell

Cleanliness and order are not matters of instinct; they are matters of education, and like most great things, you must cultivate a taste for them.
Benjamin Disraeli

Politeness and consideration for others is like investing pennies and getting dollars back.
Thomas Sowell

That's the secret of entertaining. You make your guests feel welcome and at home. If you do that honestly, the rest takes care of itself.
Barbara Hall

We show wisdom by a decent conformity to social etiquette; it is excess of neatness or display that creates dandyism in men, and coquetry in women.
Robert Adam

Manners maketh man.
William of Wykeham

What are these wondrous civilizing arts, this Roman polish, and this smooth behavior that render man thus tractable and tame?
Joseph Addison

Good manners will open doors that the best education cannot.
Clarence Thomas