Quote by Elizabeth Gaskell
He had not an ounce of superfluous flesh on his bones, and leanness goes a great way towards gentility.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the importance of being lean and physically fit in order to attain social elegance and refinement. It suggests that being slim and having no excess body weight contributes to one's overall gentility and sophistication. The quote implies that a lean physique reflects discipline, self-control, and a certain level of aesthetic appeal that aligns with societal notions of gracefulness and elegance.