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.

Quote by Judith Martin

Topics: Judith Martin Quotes

Hypocrisy is not generally a social sin, but a virtue.

Hypocrisy is not generally a social sin, but a virtue.

It's far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help.

It's far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help.

You do not have to do everything disagreeable that you have a right to do.

You do not have to do everything disagreeable that you have a right to do.

We already know that anonymous letters are despicable. In etiquette, as well as in law,...

We already know that anonymous letters are despicable. In etiquette, as well as in law,...

If written directions alone would suffice, libraries wouldn't need to have the rest of the...

If written directions alone would suffice, libraries wouldn't need to have the rest of the...

Chaperons don't enforce morality; they force immorality to be discreet.

Chaperons don't enforce morality; they force immorality to be discreet.

There are three social classes in America: upper middle class, middle class, and lower middle...

There are three social classes in America: upper middle class, middle class, and lower middle...

Indeed, Miss Manners has come to believe that the basic political division in this country...

Indeed, Miss Manners has come to believe that the basic political division in this country...

We are all born charming, fresh, and spontaneous and must be civilized before we are...

We are all born charming, fresh, and spontaneous and must be civilized before we are...

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

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

Most people who work at home find they do not have the benefit of receptionists...

Most people who work at home find they do not have the benefit of receptionists...

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

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

When a society abandons its ideals just because most people can't live up to them,...

When a society abandons its ideals just because most people can't live up to them,...

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

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

We are born charming, fresh and spontaneous and must be civilized before we are fit...

We are born charming, fresh and spontaneous and must be civilized before we are fit...