when you start displaying courtesy, politeness, and consideration, people start displaying them right back.

...thanks for good deeds do not amount to much except to prove one's politeness.

The very essence of politeness is to take care that by our words and actions we make other people pleased with us as well as with themselves.

Little phrases such as “I’m sorry to trouble you,” “Would you be so kind as to — ?” “Won’t you please?” “Would you mind?” “Thank you” — little courtesies like these oil the cogs of the monotonous grind of everyday life — and, incidentally, they are the hallmark of good breeding.

Life is short, but there is always time enough for courtesy.

A little kindness makes a big difference.

Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much

Being polite is withholding feedback to make someone feel good today. Being kind is being candid about how they can get better tomorrow

Kind words do not cost much. They never blister the tongue or lips. They make other people good-natured. They also produce their own image on men's souls, and a beautiful image it is.

Courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest in the grateful and appreciating heart.

The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention.

Be polite to all, but intimate with few.

Begin therefore with little things. A little oil is spilled, a little wine is stolen: say, “This is the price of tranquility; this is the price of not being upset.

I am little acquainted with politeness, but I know a good deal of benevolence of temper and goodness of heart.