Quotes About Behavior

The historian must have some conception of how men who are not historians behave. Otherwise he will move in a world of the dead. He can only gain that conception through personal experience, and he can only use his personal experiences when he is a genius.

He will work off his crudities in time. I rather mistrust young men who slip into life gracefully.

The revolution which could bring about the overthrow of the political power of the Catholic Church in Austria was based, not on debate, but behavior: "We do not discuss the existence or non-existence of God — we merely eliminate the sexual repressions and dissolve the infantile ties to the parents" (ibid).

If women are inhibited sexually by culture, changes in the imagery promoted by the culture will bring about a change in behavior, which will in turn bring about a change in values, which will in turn usher in the revolution

Individual versus group selection results in a mix of altruism and selfishness, of virtue and sin, among the members of a society.

The work on ants has profoundly affected the way I think about humans.

A very Faustian choice is upon us: whether to accept our corrosive and risky behavior as the unavoidable price of population and economic growth, or to take stock of ourselves and search for a new environmental ethic.

Our actions are the results of our intentions and our intelligence.

spoiled rotten," said Beldegard. "Prince Ainsley is our

Unfortunately grown-ups don't behave any better. Especially when they have nothing else to do or are having a hard time – or, sometimes, when they just think they are having a hard time. They band together with other real or supposed companions in misfortune and take to the streets, marching in step and parroting mindless slogans, filled with their own importance.

Akhmatova, like Gogol, wanted to possess nothing. She gave away the presents given to her, and a few days later they would be found in other people's houses. This characteristic recalls the behavior of nomads, compelled to the provisional by necessity and by choice...When eastern Europe furnishes such models of detachment, why seek them out in India or elsewhere? (from Anathemas and Admirations)

Have you ever noticed that there are people who do things which are most indelicate, and yet at the same time - beautiful?

No, he is not tactful, yet have you ever noticed that there are people who do things which are most indelicate, and yet, at the same time, beautiful?

Then she lay on her back and gazed at the cloudless sky. Mr. Beebe, whose opinion of her rose daily, whispered to his niece that that was the proper way to behave if any little thing went wrong.

England has always been disinclined to accept human nature.

Of the many things Lucy was noticing today, not the least remarkable was this: this ghoulish fashion in which respectable people will nibble after blood.

Rudeness affected Margaret like a bitter taste in the mouth. It poisoned life. At times it is necessary, but woe to those who employ it without due need.

While behavior is almost always motivated, it is also almost always biologically, culturally and situationally determined as well.

Once a cad, always a cad

You are not to say 'stink,' " interrupted Helen; "at least, you may say it, but you must pretend you are being funny while you say it.

Don't act. Or act better.

Mr. Beebe smiled as Miss Alan plunged into an anecdote which he knew she would be unable to finish in the presence of a gentleman.

yet, have you ever noticed that there are people who do things which are most indelicate, and yet at the same time—beautiful?

True socialism is based not on equality of income or character, but on the equality of manners.