It is wise to apply the oil of refined politeness to the mechanisms of friendship.
—Colette (1873–1954) French Novelist, Performer
True politeness consists in being easy one’s self, and in making every one about one as easy as one can.
—Alexander Pope (1688–1744) English Poet
There are limits to the indulgence which friendship allows.
—Cicero (106BCE–43BCE) Roman Philosopher, Orator, Politician, Lawyer
The courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest to the grateful and appreciating heart. It is the picayune compliments which , are the most appreciated; far more than the double ones we sometimes pay.
—Henry Clay (1777–1852) American Politician
Really big people are, above everything else, courteous, considerate and generous—not just to some people in some circumstances—but to everyone all the time.
—Thomas J. Watson, Sr. (1874–1956) American Business Executive
There is a courtesy of the heart; it is allied to love.—From it springs the purest courtesy in the outward behavior.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
To speak kindly does not hurt the tongue.
—Common Proverb
A churlish courtesy rarely comes but either for gain or falsehood.
—Philip Sidney (1554–86) English Soldier Poet, Courtier
Friendship is honey—but don’t eat it all.
—Moroccan Proverb
The measure of a truly great man is the courtesy with which he treats lesser men.
—Unknown
We should be as courteous to a man as we are to a picture, which we are willing to give the advantage of the best light.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
Friends are like a pleasant park where you wish to go; while you may enjoy the flowers, you may not eat them.
—E. W. Howe (1853–1937) American Novelist, Editor
Hail! ye small sweet courtesies of life, for smooth do ye make the road of it, like grace and beauty which beget inclinations to love at first sight; ’tis ye who open the door and let the stranger in.
—Laurence Sterne (1713–68) Irish Anglican Novelist, Clergyman
There is no outward sign of true courtesy that does not rest on a deep moral foundation.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
All doors open to courtesy.
—Thomas Fuller (1608–61) English Cleric, Historian
I have seen manners that make a similar impression with personal beauty; that give the like exhilaration, and refine us like that; and, in memorable experiences, they are suddenly better than beauty, and make that superfluous and ugly. But they must be marked by fine perception, the acquaintance with real beauty. They must always show self-control: you shall not be facile, apologetic, or leaky, but king over your word; and every gesture and action shall indicate power at rest. Then they must be inspired by the good heart. There is no beautifier of complexion, or form, or behavior, like the wish to scatter joy and not pain around us. ‘Tis good to give a stranger a meal, or a night’s lodging. ‘Tis better to be hospitable to his good meaning and thought, and give courage to a companion. We must be as courteous to a man as we are to a picture, which we are willing to give the advantage of a good light.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
The whole of heraldry and chivalry is in courtesy.—A man of fine manners shall pronounce your name with all the ornament that titles of nobility could add.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
Courtesy is a science of the highest importance.—It is like grace and beauty in the body, which charm at first sight, and lead on to further intimacy and friendship.
—Michel de Montaigne (1533–92) French Essayist
To succeed in the world it is not enough to be stupid, you must also be well-mannered.
—Voltaire (1694–1778) French Philosopher, Author
The small courtesies sweeten life; the greater ennoble it.
—Christian Nestell Bovee (1820–1904) American Writer, Aphorist
It is better to have too much courtesy than too little, provided you are not equally courteous to all, for that would be injustice.
—Baltasar Gracian (1601–58) Spanish Scholar, Prose Writer
Nothing is ever lost by courtesy. It is the cheapest of the pleasures; costs nothing and conveys much. It pleases him who gives and him who receives, and thus, like mercy, is twice blessed.
—Erastus Wiman (1834–1904) Canadian Journalist, Businessperson
Courtesy should be a continuous action, not something to be turned on and off like a faucet.
—Unknown
Approved valor is made precious by natural courtesy.
—Philip Sidney (1554–86) English Soldier Poet, Courtier
Men, like bullets, go farthest when they are smoothest.
—Jean Paul (1763–1825) German Novelist, Humorist
There can be no defense like elaborate courtesy.
—E. V. Lucas (1868–1938) English Author, Historian
As the sword of the best tempered metal is most flexible, so the truly generous are most pliant and courteous in their behavior to their inferiors.
—Thomas Fuller (1608–61) English Cleric, Historian
Life is not so short but that there is always time for courtesy.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
Except in cases of necessity, which are rare, leave your friend to learn unpleasant things from his enemies; they are ready enough to tell him.
—Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809–94) American Physician, Essayist
If a man be gracious to strangers, it shows that he is a citizen of the world, and his heart is no island, cut off from other islands, but a continent that joins them.
—Francis Bacon (1561–1626) English Philosopher