A quotation from Lord Chesterfield

An able man shows his Spirit by gentle words and resolute actions.

Lord Chesterfield (1694-1773) English statesman, wit [Philip Dormer Stanhope]
Letter (1758-01-15) to Philip Stanhope (his son), No. 298 (enclosed maxims)

More about this quote: wist.info/chesterfield-lord/29…

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #ability #action #deed #gentility #gentle #gentleman #resolution #speech #spirit

A quotation from Josh Billings

One ov the most perfekt viktorys yu kan achieve over enny man, iz to beat him in politeness.
 
[One of the most perfect victories you can achieve over any man, is to beat him in politeness.]

Josh Billings (1818-1885) American humorist, aphorist [pseud. of Henry Wheeler Shaw]
Josh Billings’ Farmer’s Allminax, 1875-07 “2 Fakts” (1875 ed.)

More info about this quote: wist.info/billings-josh/79740/

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A quotation from Judith Martin

People are always saying to me, “Don’t you want to go back in time?” To where? Prefeminism? Not very much, no.

Judith Martin (b. 1938) American author, journalist, etiquette expert [a.k.a. Miss Manners]
Interview (1997-03), “She Says: Miss Manners,” by Sandy Fernández, Ms magazine, Vol. 7, No. 5 (1997-03/04)

More info about this quote: wist.info/martin-judith/79505/

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A quotation from Judith Martin

If you can’t be kind, at least be vague.

Judith Martin (b. 1938) American author, journalist, etiquette expert [a.k.a. Miss Manners]
“Miss Manners,” syndicated column (1982-08-28)

Sourcing, notes: wist.info/martin-judith/2703/

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #missmanners #ambiguity #courtesy #discretion #equivocation #gentility #kindness #mildness #vagueness

A quotation from Robert Louis Stevenson

Gentleness and cheerfulness, these come before all morality; they are the perfect duties.

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) Scottish essayist, novelist, poet
Essay (1888-12), “A Christmas Sermon,” sec. 2, Scribner’s Magazine, Vol. 4

Sourcing, notes: wist.info/stevenson-robert-lou…

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I suppose the concept of never wishing anyone ill is #Gentility or #Superstition. I have a different motive. I say why spend time and energy wishing anyone ill when I can spend that time and energy doing anything I'd prefer?