showish

I cannot conclude this letter without returning again to the showish, the ornamental, the shining parts of your character; which, if you neglect, upon my word you will render the solid ones absolutely useless; nay, such is the present turn of the world, that some valuable qualities are even ridiculous, if not accompanied by the genteeler accomplishments.

Letters to his son on The Art of Becoming a Man of the World and a Gentleman 2005

Sound and extensive learning was the foundation which I meant to lay — I have laid it; but that alone, I knew, would by no means be sufficient: the ornamental, the showish, the pleasing superstructure was to be begun.

Letters to his son on The Art of Becoming a Man of the World and a Gentleman 2005

You will stay at Venice as long as the Carnival lasts; for though I am impatient to have you at Turin, yet I would wish you to see thoroughly all that is to be seen at so singular a place as Venice, and at so showish a time as the Carnival.

Letters to his son on The Art of Becoming a Man of the World and a Gentleman 2005

Merely for want of those external and showish accomplishments, which he began the world too late to acquire; and which, with his studious and philosophical turn, I believe he thinks are not worth his attention.

Letters to his son on The Art of Becoming a Man of the World and a Gentleman 2005

The reading of ten new characters is more your business now, than the reading of twenty old books; showish and shining people always get the better of all others, though ever so solid.

Letters to his son on The Art of Becoming a Man of the World and a Gentleman 2005

The difference is, that a young fellow of parts exerts all those happy dispositions in the pursuit of proper objects; endeavors to excel in the solid, and in the showish parts of life; whereas a silly puppy, or a dull rogue, throws away all his youth and spirit upon trifles, where he is serious or upon disgraceful vices, while he aims at pleasures.

Letters to his son on The Art of Becoming a Man of the World and a Gentleman 2005

A showish binding attracts the eyes, and engages the attention of everybody; but with this difference, that women, and men who are like women, mind the binding more than the book; whereas men of sense and learning immediately examine the inside; and if they find that it does not answer the finery on the outside, they throw it by with the greater indignation and contempt.

Letters to his son on The Art of Becoming a Man of the World and a Gentleman 2005

The showish, the shining, the engaging parts of the character of a fine gentleman, should (considering your destination) be the principal objects, of your present attention.

Letters to his son on The Art of Becoming a Man of the World and a Gentleman 2005

If you would be a great man in the world when you are old, shine and be showish in it while you are young, know everybody, and endeavor to please everybody, I mean exteriorly; for fundamentally it is impossible.

Letters to his son on The Art of Becoming a Man of the World and a Gentleman 2005

He is void of true taste who strives to have his house admired by decorating it with showish outside; but to adorn our character by gentleness of a communicative temper is a proof of good taste and good nature

Leaves of Life For Daily Inspiration Margaret Bird Steinmetz