Politeness is as much concerned in answering letters within a reasonable time, as it is in returning a bow, immediately.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the importance of responding to letters promptly, similar to how one would quickly acknowledge a bow. Politeness is not only reflected in face-to-face interactions but also in written communication. Just as it would be considered impolite to ignore someone's greeting, failing to respond to a letter within a reasonable time can be seen as a lack of courtesy. The quote highlights the notion that promptness in correspondence is crucial for maintaining politeness and respect in social interactions.

Topics