“Civilized men are more discourteous than savages because they know they can be impolite without having their skulls split, as a general thing.”
What this quote means
Robert E. Howard observes that civilization, by reducing physical consequences of rudeness, paradoxically encourages discourtesy. 'Savages' must be polite to survive, while the 'civilized' feel protected by laws. This reflection invites us to cultivate courtesy not out of fear, but genuine respect.
How to apply it daily
Today, be deliberately courteous to someone who can't harm you, simply out of kindness.
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