[96]
The classification of propriety, moreover, is twofold: 1 (1) we assume a general sort of propriety,
which is found in moral goodness as a whole; then (2)
there is another propriety, subordinate to this, which
belongs to the several divisions of moral goodness.
The former is usually defined somewhat as follows:
“Propriety is that which harmonizes with man's
superiority in those respects in which his nature
differs from that of the rest of the animal creation.”
And they so define the special type of propriety
which is subordinate to the general notion, that they
represent it to be that propriety which harmonizes
with Nature, in the sense that it manifestly embraces temperance and self-control, together with
a certain deportment such as becomes a gentleman.
1 Propriety defined.
M. Tullius Cicero. De Officiis. With An English Translation. Walter Miller. Cambridge. Harvard University Press; Cambridge, Mass., London, England. 1913.
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