Quotation by

Thomas Jefferson

In truth, politeness is artificial good humor, it covers the natural want of it, and ends by rendering habitual a substitute nearly equivalent to the real virtue.

Thomas Jefferson

Truth

Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Thomas Jefferson is saying that politeness is a kind of fake friendliness that hides the natural lack of genuine good humor. Over time, this fake politeness becomes a habit that almost replaces the true quality of being genuinely good-natured.

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