You know, I’ve always found that “Politeness costs nothing but buys everything” is one of those rare truths in business and life. It’s a simple principle, but the ROI is absolutely massive. Once you start applying it, you see opportunities open up everywhere.
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Meaning
The core idea is that being polite is a zero-cost investment with potentially infinite returns in your relationships and career.
Explanation
Let me break it down for you. The “costs nothing” part is so true. It takes zero dollars and almost no extra energy to say “please,” “thank you,” or to hold a door open. But the “buys everything”? That’s the magic. That small, cost-free act builds trust, opens doors that were firmly shut, and makes people want to help you. It’s the ultimate social lubricant. I’ve seen deals close not on the strength of a proposal, but on the strength of a respectful relationship built over time. It’s about making a deposit in the emotional bank account of everyone you meet.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Relationship (329) |
| Topics | connection (265), respect (76) |
| Literary Style | simple (291), timeless (7) |
| Emotion / Mood | grateful (14), positive (57) |
| Overall Quote Score | 87 (185) |
Origin & Factcheck
This gem comes straight from Leil Lowndes’s 2003 book, How to Talk to Anyone, published in the United States. You’ll sometimes see it misattributed to historical figures, but it’s definitively Lowndes’s modern insight into interpersonal dynamics.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Leil Lowndes (235) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships (185) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1615) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Leil Lowndes writes about striking conversations with unknown people and how to put others at ease and maintain relationships. Her techniques are straightforward and practically usable that readers can apply immediately in their workplace, and everyday life. Her book list includes How to Talk to Anyone and Goodbye to Shy which have reached international audiences.
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Politeness costs nothing but buys everything |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 1999; ISBN: 978-0-07-141858-4; Last edition: 2018; Number of pages: 368. |
| Where is it? | Chapter 76: The Courtesy Rule, Approximate page 295 from 2018 edition |