Etiquette for Little Folks

Chapter 20: MODESTY.

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About This Book

A practical handbook of rules and maxims teaching young children proper conduct in daily settings. It presents concise dos and don'ts for behavior at home, at table, among peers, in school, at church, and in public, emphasizing reverence toward parents and elders, cleanliness, silence, temperance, and respectful speech. The guidance covers specific actions such as washing before meals, waiting to be served, refraining from interrupting, and showing consideration for servants and others, alongside exhortations to patience, modesty, and gentle correction of companions. Instructions are organized by context and framed as direct rules aimed at forming habitual polite behavior.

MODESTY.

Modesty is a polite accomplishment, and generally attendant upon merit. It is engaging, in the highest degree, and wins the hearts of all with whom we are acquainted. None are more disgusting in company, than the impudent and presuming.

Nothing can atone for the want of modesty; without it, beauty is ungraceful, and wit detestable.

Be particularly careful not to speak of yourself, if you can help it. An impudent person intrudes himself abruptly upon all occasions, and is ever the hero of his own story.

The less you say of yourself, the more the world will give you credit for; and the more you say of yourself, the less they will believe you.

Whatever perfections you may have, be assured people will find them out; but whether they do or not, nobody will take them upon your own word.