Formal Sayings and Quotes

Below you will find our collection of inspirational, wise, and humorous old formal quotes, formal sayings, and formal proverbs, collected over the years from a variety of sources.

Formal business situations are likely to be the least revealing because these are the times when all of us are most likely to have our ‘game faces' on. Abhishek Ratna
Being formal is always better, no expectations no demands. Dr. Cat
Just because something is traditional is no reason to do it, of course. Lemony Snicket
Tradition becomes our security, and when the mind is secure it is in decay. Jiddu Krishnamurti
The less there is to justify a traditional custom, the harder it is to get rid of it Mark Twain
Tradition: one of those words conservative people use as a shortcut to thinking. Warren Ellis
Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire. Gustav Mahler
Tradition is a fragile thing in a culture built entirely on the memories of the elders. Alice Albinia
Sometimes tradition and habit are just that, comfortable excuses to leave things be, even when they are unjust and unworthy. Matthew Scully
A love of tradition has never weakened a nation. Winston Churchill
Tradition does not mean that the living are dead, it means that the dead are living. Harold MacMillan
Take 'tradition' out of the equation. Tradition is a human idea too, and traditions change to fit our societal needs. Matt St. Germain-Donnelly
Traditions are the guideposts driven deep in our subconscious minds. The most powerful ones are those we can’t even describe and aren’t even aware of. Ellen Goodman
It is of the essence of traditions that they cover or conceal their humble foundations by erecting impressive edifices on them. Leo Strauss
Old traditions are timeless; the melodies of our roots can resonate deeply as they travel through the years. Will Pebbles
Tradition is a fine thing. Nothing comes out of the blue, except perhaps thunderbolts and they are not really very useful things. Stacy Aumonier
Tradition is a guide and not a jailer. W. Somerset Maugham
Every generation is inculcated in traditions of prejudice which are encouraged as normal, natural and healthy. Bryant McGill
Traditions have been replaced by lifestyles. Lars Fr. H. Svendsen
You do not understand your own tradition if you do not see it in relation to others. John Searle
Cultures grow on the vine of tradition. Jonah Goldberg
Tradition is the illusion of permanence. Woody Allen
All tradition is merely the past. Jiddu Krishnamurti
Tradition is comforting. It's solemn, steady and unwavering. Will Peebles
A tradition without intelligence is not worth having. T. S. Eliot
Family traditions are important because they give you a source of identity, teach values, strengthen the family bond and add to the rhythm of life. Taylor Welsh
You must be in tune with the times and prepared to break with tradition. James Agee
Human beings need to belong to a tradition and equally need to know about the world in which they find themselves. James Agee