"Many people believe that manners are a reflection of genuine kindness and respect, serving as a formal way of showing moral consideration," the quote suggests. However, it questions whether these social rituals are truly rooted in moral principles or if they are more about appearances and maintaining a certain image.

Zoë Heller implies that much of what we see as manners may actually be superficial aesthetics, rather than authentic expressions of morality. Modern social customs often prioritize politeness and decorum over true compassion, making manners seem more like superficial standards than genuine ethical behavior.