Quote 8 of 32

From Essays in Idleness, by Kenko (c. 1283-1352)

When in the presence of a new acquaintance, to carry on a conversation
in fragments, laughing and exchanging meaning looks with a companion
who knows the phrases and names of things you commonly use, makes the
stranger feel as if he understood nothing--this is ignorant behaviour,
and a sure sign of ill-breeding.
		-- #78

Tags: presence companion phrases stranger acquaintance fragments