Often we sin by using beautiful, catchy quotes, without even knowing their author, the full version, the original meaning. Here is an example: "Accuracy is the politeness of kings." Who said these words? And what does the whole phrase sound like? What does she mean? Let's figure it out!
What was the original expression?
The phrase "Accuracy - the politeness of kings" according to various sources has two continuation:
- "... and the duty of all good people."
- "... and the duty of their vassals (subjects)."
This is a French expression, which in the native language is as follows: L'exactitude est la politesse des rois. Because of the peculiarities of the translation, another version of the phrase arose, though not as commonly used: "Accuracy is the politeness of kings."
Who said "Accuracy is the politeness of kings"?
The phrase belongs to the French monarch Louis XVIII, who ruled the state in the period 1814-1825. It was first mentioned in writing in the correspondence of the journalist and publicist K. E. Elsner and the writer R. Levin. The letter that the woman sent from France to Germany in 1817 contained precisely this expression. And it was published in the “Memoirs” of J. Laffitte, published in 1844.
The reign of the monarch himself was no different. He ascended the throne after the Restoration of 1814. And on May 27 of that year, he approved the Constitutional Charter. But only on paper, in reality, there was no talk of freedom of the press and speech and speech. Louis proved himself a limp and weak ruler. It is also known that he suffered for a long time from gout, which prevented him from even moving normally. The monarch died of gangrene of both legs.
Expression value
So we found out who said: "Accuracy is the politeness of kings." What is the meaning of a truncated phrase? Do not be late, come on time - a royal act, an example worthy of respect.
If we consider the full phrase, then the face is a completely different meaning. What did the author want to say? “Accuracy is the courtesy of kings and the duty of their subjects” - this phrase can be interpreted as follows: for the monarch to be punctual, to arrive at the appointed meetings on time is an indicator of good taste. If you want - some kind and gracious gesture towards others. The king does not have to commit it, but sometimes he can afford to be extremely polite and punctual.
But as for ordinary citizens, they must be punctual. Pay taxes and other requisitions on time, appear on matters of national importance, and observe the schedule of your working time. To be late for them is an impermissible luxury, for which an ambulance and, possibly, tough payback will come. It is possible that they cannot be non-punctual at all.
But you can look at the phrase and a little differently. After all, in theory, only the ruler can be accurate - all doors, roads and bridges open in front of him, crews, limousines, planes are waiting for him everywhere (depending on the era). For his sake, they will open the airport, start traffic on a closed highway, clear traffic jams. How not to be precise when everything is for him?
As for the common man, he cannot be punctual a priori. He has two options - to appear either earlier or later. Only a few times in my life will I be lucky enough by chance to arrive somewhere minute to minute. When miraculously avoid traffic jams, queues, delayed flights and other unpleasant surprises.
Now you know who said: "Accuracy is the politeness of kings." Agree, the attitude to the phrase changes when its full meaning and history is revealed.