Polite Discourse Quotes

Drawing forceful distinctions and being civil are not mutually exclusive.

Try not to offend someone who writes a weekly column.

You can disagree without being disagreeable.

I can't tell you the number of times I've been in the middle of a perfunctory conversation, and someone will say, 'Tell us what you really think.' Or 'Maybe you should switch to decaf.

Very strong personalities must confine themselves in mutual conversation to very gentle subjects.

Certain types of loudmouthism should be a capital offense among decent people.

British conversation is like a game of cricket or a boxing match; personal allusions are forbidden like hitting below the belt, and anyone who loses his temper is disqualified.

Never be disagreeable just because you disagree.