We are the makers of manners…
Henry V, V.2
Today’s quote comes from Henry the Fifth–a history play?!
Don’t worry, there’s no quiz. I’ll spare you the historical context.
All we need to know is that beloved English hero Henry V (of the famous “Band of Brother’s” speech) is trying to woo the beautiful Katherine of France…and he’s failing.
Henry wants to kiss her, but Katherine of France insists that it isn’t proper to kiss before marriage. So our hero Henry argues simply, “We are the makers of manners…”
Basically, we make our own rules!
I love this quote because it puts the power in our own hands. We are free to decide what serves us and what doesn’t. We learn the traditions, but ultimately we have the power.
ShakesBEARS 