I place a high moral value on the way people behave. I find it repellent to have a lot, and to behave with anything other than courtesy in the old sense of the word - politeness of the heart, a gentleness of the spirit.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of moral behavior and genuine kindness in interpersonal interactions.
Fran Lebowitz underscores the significance of courtesy as a reflection of one's moral values. She suggests that true politeness goes beyond mere social niceties; it is a deep-seated gentleness and consideration for others that should guide one's behavior, especially for those with privilege or abundance.
In practice
In a speech about leadership qualities, one might invoke this quote to discuss the role of moral integrity in effective leadership.
Your responsibility as a parent is not as great as you might imagine. You need not supply the world with the next conqueror of disease or major motion picture star. If your child simply grows up to be someone who does not use the word "collectible" as a noun, you can consider yourself an unqualified success.
You should make it hard on yourself to write so you’re easier to read.
Special-interest publications should realize that if they are attracting enough advertising and readers to make a profit, the interest is not so special.
I must take issue with the term 'a mere child,' for it has been my invariable experience that the company of a mere child is infinitely preferable to that of a mere adult.
Original thought is like original sin: both happened before you were born to people you could not have possibly met.
I never took hallucinogenic drugs because I never wanted my consciousness expanded one unnecessary iota.
Well, if crime fighters fight crime and fire fighters fight fire, what do freedom fighters fight?
Life is like an eternal dance. The movements of the dance are choreographed through your awareness.
I wanted all things to seem to make some sense, So we could all be happy, yes, instead of tense. And I made up lies, so they all fit nice, and I made this sad world a paradise
I suddenly understood that if every moment of a book should be taken seriously, then every moment of a life should be taken seriously as well.
Noble have I created thee, yet thou hast abased thyself. Rise then unto that for which thou wast created.
Women are degraded by the propensity to enjoy the present moment, and, at last, despise the freedom which they have not sufficient virtue to struggle to attain.
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