“Crude, rude and obnoxious behavior has replaced good manners”

While there have been many philosophical discussions on what civility is and how it should be practiced, I believe Jesus simply expressed the goal of civility when he taught that, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). If we truly love our neighbors, then we should be governed by moral standards that express concern for others and limit our own freedom.

Perhaps that is why civility is on the decline. More and more people live for themselves and do not feel they are morally accountable to anyone (even God) for their actions or behavior. We are told to “Look Out for #1,” and not to let anyone limit our freedom to be ourselves.

 

Brought to you by Leadership U

Civility pledge

In all of my daily interactions I pledge to do my best to:

• View everyone in positive terms
• Work on building common language
• Build strong relationships of trust
• Remember our shared humanity
• Value both the process and the result
• Look both inside and outside for guidance

Brought to you by the National Civility Center

Enjoy the rewards of connecting

When we treat others with kindness and consideration, we show them that we value them as persons. This motivates them to remain in our lives, and as a result we continue to enjoy the rewards of connecting. Until three or four generations ago, a large amount of the support we needed came from our extended families. Today, as we often turn to friends, acquaintances, and even strangers for support and care, being likable can be a substantial advantage. An elementary but powerful truth to always keep in mind is that social skills strengthen social bonds. Social skills are thus an invaluable quality-of-life asset — in fact, they are nothing less than determinants of destiny.

Wisdom handed down is gold

Today I had the good fortune to visit a poetry blog of import, Experiments in Writing. A blog penned by Mysoul, an appropriate name for this writer. Mysoul, writer of poems, also blesses her readers with inner, rich spiritual thoughts that leave the reader longing for days past when people shared common principles. A life built upon goodness, respect for self and others, truth and harmony, to name just a few of the themes running through a piece entitled, To My Grandchildren. This, a loving testimony of a life governed by principles, where this solid foundation is laid out for her grandchildren to read and inspire to live by.

This piece by Mysoul is indicative of the type of philosophy we need so badly to teach our children from their youngest days until its message is felt inside as natural as breathing. We can lead our children to better times ahead with such a message as this.