Mere politeness can never be a substitute for moral excellence, any more than the bark can take the place of the heart of the oak.

It may well indicate the kind of wood below, but not always whether it be sound or decayed.
Etiquette is but a substitute for good manners and is often but their mere counterfeit.
Sincerity is the highest quality of good manners.
The following recipe is recommended to those who wish to acquire genuine good manners:-- Of Unselfishness, three drachms; Of the tincture of Good Cheer, one ounce; Of Essence of Heart's-Ease, three drachms; Of the Extract of the Rose of Sharon, four ounces; Of the Oil of Charity, three drachms, and no scruples; Of the Infusion of Common Sense and Tact, one ounce; Of the Spirit of Love, two ounces.
The Mixture to be taken whenever there is the slightest symptom of selfishness, exclusiveness, meanness, or I-am-better-than-you-ness.
Pattern after Him who gave the Golden Rule, and who was the first true gentleman that ever breathed..