Judith Martin Quotes

Many people mistakenly think a new technology cancels out an old one.

Children should acknowledge other people, saying ‘hello,’ ‘good morning,’ ‘goodbye’. They should understand that there are times to sit down and be quiet. That’s a prerequisite for school. They also need a respect for authority, the lack of which is a tremendous handicap in school.

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.

It’s like children getting new toys. But the excitement is over. People should be over it.

This is a question of social control.

We are born charming, fresh and spontaneous and must be civilized before we are fit to participate in society.