It is laughable how often good manners interfere with my survival.

I was raised right — I talk about people behind their backs. It's called manners.

Manners are the ability to put someone else at their ease...by turning any answer into another question.

A hat should be taken off when greeting a lady, and left off the rest of your life. Nothing looks more stupid than a hat.

The first rule of etiquette a boy learns when he's about to enter
society is that civility is due to all women. No provocation, no
matter how unjust and rudely delivered, can validate a man who fails
to treat a woman with anything less than utmost courtesy."

The boys hung on his every word. He glanced in her direction.

"I have met some incredibly unpleasant women, and I have never failed
in this duty. But I must admit: your sister may prove my undoing.

This is a society that puts a great stress on etiquette, manners and performing roles. Even in the midst of a terrible disaster, it's still expected that you perform your role.