for people are never respected when they step out of their proper sphere.
 Jane Austen, Mansfield Park (1814). copy citation

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Author Jane Austen
Source Mansfield Park
Topic respect
Date 1814
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/141/141-h/141-h.htm

Context

“Had the doctor been contented to take my dining-table when I came away, as anybody in their senses would have done, instead of having that absurd new one of his own, which is wider, literally wider than the dinner-table here, how infinitely better it would have been! and how much more he would have been respected! for people are never respected when they step out of their proper sphere. Remember that, Fanny. Five—only five to be sitting round that table. However, you will have dinner enough on it for ten, I dare say.” Mrs. Norris fetched breath, and went on again. “The nonsense and folly of people's stepping out of their rank and trying to appear above themselves, makes me think it right to give you a hint, Fanny, now that you are going into company without any of us;” source