Chaperons don't enforce morality; they force immorality to be discreet.
Judith Martin
2
Chaperons, even in their days of glory, were almost never able to enforce morality; what they did was to force immorality to be discreet. This is no small contribution.
Judith Martin
3
Honesty has come to mean the privilege of insulting you to your face without expecting redress.
Judith Martin
4
If written directions alone would suffice, libraries wouldn't need to have the rest of the universities attached.
Judith Martin
5
It is far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help.
Judith Martin
6
Many people mistakenly think a new technology cancels out an old one.
Judith Martin
7
Most people who work at home find they do not have the benefit of receptionists who serve as personal guards.
Judith Martin
8
Parents should conduct their arguments in quiet, respectful tones, but in a foreign language. You'd be surprised what an inducement that is to the education of children.
Judith Martin
9
There are three social classes in America: upper middle class, middle class, and lower middle class.
Judith Martin
10
We already know that anonymous letters are despicable. In etiquette, as well as in law, hiring a hit man to do the job does not relieve you of responsibility.
Judith Martin
11
We are all born charming, fresh and spontaneous, and must be civilized before we are fit to participate in society.
Judith Martin
12
We are born charming, fresh and spontaneous and must be civilized before we are fit to participate in society.
Judith Martin
13
You do not have to do everything disagreeable that you have a right to do.
Judith Martin
14
You glance at an e-mail. You give more attention to a real letter.
Judith Martin
