"Stillness of person and steadiness of features are signal marks of good breeding"

This quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes is highlighting the value of great manners and rules. He is recommending that stillness of individual and steadiness of functions are indications of excellent breeding. Simply put, great manners and etiquette are demonstrated through one's physical behavior and facial expressions. This implies that an individual with good breeding will stay still and made up in their body movement and facial expressions. They will not be excessively animated or overstated in their motions or expressions. They will likewise maintain a calm and collected attitude. This quote is a reminder that great manners and etiquette are very important and must be practiced in all social circumstances. It is a tip that great breeding is not only showed through words, but also through physical behavior and facial expressions.