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

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

For tho' it is certainly more laudable, and a thing of greater moment, to be generous, constant, and magnanimous, than merely to be polite and well bred; yet we find, from daily experience, that sweetness of manners, a genteel carriage, and, polite address are frequently of more advantage to those who are so happy as to be possessed of them, than any greatness of soul or brightness of parts are to those who are adorned with those more shining talents. For those slighter accomplishments are of more frequent, or rather of constant and daily use on every occasion; as we are under a necessity of conversing daily with other people: Whereas justice, fortitude, and those other more exalted virtues, are of much less frequent occurrence. For neither is a generous or a brave man obliged to exhibit those virtues, every hour of the day (which indeed would be impossible,) neither has a wise man, or a man of great genius, an opportunity of displaying those extraordinary talents, but very rarely. As much therefore as those greater qualities exceed those more trifling accomplishments in weight and importance; so much the latter exceed the former in number and more frequent use.

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

Politeness and courtesy are a small price to pay for the goodwill of others.

when they do understand, I’ve experienced more random acts of kindness in China than anywhere else.

The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful then a thousand heads bowing in prayer.

For oft have the common people kindlier feelings.

Special mercy arouses more gratitude than universal mercy.

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.

A thousand little civilities create tenderness in time.

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.

Of courtesy it is much less
Than courage of heart or holiness
Yet in my walks it seems to me
That the Grace of God is in courtesy.

When we make little sacrifices we like to have them appreciated, at least…