E. L. Konigsburg Quotes

I find it upsetting to see the erosion of manners. It's very scary. Where are the 'pleases' and 'thank yous?'

I'm making a list I'm making a list of things I must say For politeness, And goodness and kindness and gentleness Sweetness and rightness: Hello Pardon me How are you? Excuse me Bless you May I? Thank you Goodbye If you know some that I've forgot, Please stick them in you eye!

Courtesy is a lady's armor.

But my father was also the one who told me I needed to clean up my mouth or I'd never find a man. What's very important to him is manners. Show up on time. Always send thank-you letters. He is one of the more thoughtful humans I've ever met. He's a great man and a very good dad.

In truth, politeness is artificial good humor, it covers the natural want of it, and ends by rendering habitual a substitute nearly equivalent to the real virtue.

I think the thing I miss most in our age is our manners. It sounds so old-fashioned in a way. But even bad people had good manners in the old days, and manners hold a community together, and manners hold a family together; in a way, they hold the world together.

A bad manner spoils everything, even reason and justice; a good one supplies everything, gilds a No, sweetens a truth, and adds a touch of beauty to old age itself.

I write thank-you notes the minute I throw the wrapping paper away.

I've met the Queen a couple of times, and she's been delightful. In fact, I often find myself thinking: 'What would the Queen do in this situation? Write a thank-you note? Yes, I'll do that.' She's all about courtesy.

I think it's the easiest thing in the world to be friendly and say 'please' and 'thank you.' I try and remember it and use it.

As youngsters, my mother taught her children that while we might not be the smartest people around, we could be courteous, polite and considerate of others.

Politeness is the flower of humanity.

You can get through life with bad manners, but it's easier with good manners.

I don't like it when people don't hold the door. I don't know, that really bugs me... I guess I like manners.

There's no chivalry in culture any more. Sometimes you meet someone who everyone says is polite and you're like, 'Wow,' but then it's like, 'Hang on, isn't everyone supposed to be polite?'

If a man holds a door open for me or pulls back a chair so that this old bag can sit down, I'm delighted.

I don't ever knock anybody; that's bad manners.

Courtesy is as much a mark of a gentleman as courage.

Say thank you. Say it often, and say it with meaning.

There's a civility that has always been a part of me.

You should respect the people you are around.

He was so generally civil, that nobody thanked him for it.

We must recall the most important of humanity guidelines: Be polite. Being polite is possibly the greatest daily contribution everyone can make to life on Earth.

Courtesy is fine and heaven knows we need more and more of it in a rude and frenetic world, but mechanized courtesy is as pallid as Pablum ... in fact, it isn't even courtesy.

Politeness smooths wrinkles.