Training a child is exactly like training a puppy; a little heedless inattention and it is out of hand immediately; the great thing is not to let it acquire bad habits that must afterward be broken.

Ideal conversation must be an exchange of thought, and not, as many of those who worry most about their shortcomings believe, an eloquent exhibition of wit or oratory.

Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use.

Good manners reflect something from inside-an innate sense of consideration for others and respect for self.

Nothing is less important than which fork you use. Etiquette is the science of living. It embraces everything. It is ethics. It is honor.

If you are hurt, whether in mind or body, don't nurse your bruises. Get up, and light-heartedly, courageously, good-temperedly, get ready for the next encounter.

To make a pleasant and friendly impression is not alone good manners, but equally good business.

Never think, because you cannot write a letter easily, that it is better not to write at all. The most awkward note imaginable is better than none.

Manners are like primary colors, there are certain rules and once you have these you merely mix, i.e., adapt, them to meet changing situations.

The attributes of a great lady may still be found in the rule of the four S's: Sincerity, Simplicity, Sympathy, and Serenity.

Manner is personality—the outward manifestation of one’s innate character and attitude toward life.

To see time and life correctly, you must begin to access life as seconds, as minutes and as hours.

The truly cultured are capable of owning thousands of unread books without losing their composure or their desire for more.

Nature is an expert in cost-benefit analysis, ' she says. 'Although she does her accounting a little differently. As for debts, she always collects in the long run...

Faith and perseverance is the key to overcoming obstacles.

The key to breaking the Taliban taboo against women and the cultural brainwashing that the Taliban imposed upon many Afghans is to get women back into the workforce.

The radical right is so homophobic that they're blaming global warming on the AIDS quilt.

Everything stinks until it's finished.

As the world gets dumber and dumber, I feel more and more at home.

We do need knowledge. And perhaps in a thousand years we might pick smaller cliffs to jump off. The books are to remind us what asses and fools we are.

That's what art is: escaping everyday normality, which wants to eat you alive.