"Courtesy is only a thin veneer on the general selfishness"

In this quote, Honore de Balzac recommends that the idea of courtesy is simply a superficial layer that conceals the underlying selfishness that exists within humanity. He indicates that individuals might act courteous and thoughtful towards others, however eventually their actions are driven by their own self-interest. This quote highlights the concept that true altruism is unusual which many individuals are mostly worried about their own needs and desires. Balzac's words function as a pointer to not be deceived by surface-level good manners and to constantly know the underlying inspirations behind individuals's actions.