{... }One pretends that manners are the formalisation of basic kindness and consideration, but a great deal of the time they're simply aesthetics dressed up as moral principles, aren't they?
"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.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
