Judith Martin Quotes & Sayings (Page 2)

“When a society abandons its ideals just because most people can't live up to them, behavior gets very ugly indeed.”

“Honesty has come to mean the privilege of insulting you to your face without expecting redress.”

“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.”

“Learn graceful ways of saying no and of pointing out that this pressure to do something is not in line with most people's wishes.”

“Email is very informal, a memo. But I find that not signing off or not having a salutation bothers me.”

“We're now seeing email that people thought they had deleted showing up as evidence in court. You can't erase email. As that becomes more commonly realized, people will be a little wiser about what they type.”

“One of the big no-nos in cyberspace is that you do not go into a social activity, a chat group or something like that, and start advertising or selling things. This etiquette rule is an attempt to separate one's social life, which should be pure enjoyment and relaxation, from the pressures of work.”

“The greater the controversy, the more you need manners.”

“You glance at an e-mail. You give more attention to a real letter.”

“I am a traditionalist, and I'm an innovator. Most of what I do is to weigh change and legislate to the best of my ability on what should change and what should not. Do I have a respect for tradition? Of course I do. Do I have a blind belief in it? No.”