Adolf Freiherr Knigge quotes

Adolf Freiherr Knigge was a German writer and social philosopher, renowned for his influential work on etiquette and human relations. His book "On Human Relations" (Über den Umgang mit Menschen) became a classic guide to social conduct. He is remembered as an early advocate for respectful communication and manners. Here are 20 of his quotes:

For a person of understanding, interacting with children is endlessly interesting. Here one sees the book of nature thrown open, stripped of artificiality. (Adolf Freiherr Knigge)
When you are alone, never let your clothing fall into disarray. Do not allow yourself to be dirty, have poor posture, or have rude manners when no one is observing you. View quote
Adolf Freiherr Knigge
Learn to take on the tone of whatever company you find yourself in. View quote
Adolf Freiherr Knigge
Without inspiration, which fills the soul with a healthy warmth, nothing great can ever be brought to pass. View quote
Adolf Freiherr Knigge
Learn to bear criticism. Do not be childishly biased by your own opinions. View quote
Adolf Freiherr Knigge
Compulsion kills all noble, freely given devotion. View quote
Adolf Freiherr Knigge
No bonds last longer than those made in early youth. At that age one is less mistrustful and less troubled by trifles. View quote
Adolf Freiherr Knigge
In cities people think that it is good manners not even to know who lives in the same building. View quote
Adolf Freiherr Knigge
Respect yourself, if you want others to respect you. View quote
Adolf Freiherr Knigge
Act well and properly, less to please others, more to keep your own self-respect. View quote
Adolf Freiherr Knigge
Respect old age! (Adolf Freiherr Knigge)
One of the most important virtues in social life, a virtue that is becoming less common by the day, is discretion. View quote
Adolf Freiherr Knigge
One should never forget, that society would rather be amused than instructed. View quote
Adolf Freiherr Knigge
There is no such thing as a 'white lie' - there has not yet been an untruth uttered, that sooner or later hasn't led to unfortunate consequences for everyone. View quote
Adolf Freiherr Knigge
People far too easily neglect or abuse us, as soon as we become intimate with them. To live pleasantly, one must almost always remain a stranger in the crowd. View quote
Adolf Freiherr Knigge
In many matters children - not ensnared by dogmatism, passion, or erudition - judge far truer than adults. View quote
Adolf Freiherr Knigge
Rise in the presence of a gray head. View quote
Adolf Freiherr Knigge
Whoever lives continually in a state of dissipation and distraction, becomes a stranger in his own heart. View quote
Adolf Freiherr Knigge
We see the wisest, most intelligent people take steps in life, that we must shake our head over. View quote
Adolf Freiherr Knigge
Do not be too much a slave of others' opinions of you! View quote
Adolf Freiherr Knigge

Adolf Freiherr Knigge

Adolf Freiherr Knigge - Image
Occupation: German Writer
Born: October 16, 1752
Died: May 6, 1796
Quotes count: 20
Wikipedia: Adolf Freiherr Knigge