Summary
This quote suggests that the way a country or society behaves politely and following social conventions can be perceived as insincere or hypocritical. It implies that manners often serve as a mask for a nation's true intentions or values, covering up any underlying feelings or motivations. It suggests that politeness and adherence to etiquette might hide flaws, inequalities, or contradictions within a society, raising the question of whether manners actually reflect the true moral character of a nation.