The Real Value of Etiquette

The real value of etiquette, decorum, or good manners, is to measure the breath and scope of modern civilization. That culture only is valuable which smooths the rough places, harmonizes the imperfections, and develops the pure, the good and the gentle in human character.

The revenge of the savage, the roughness of the barbarous, and the rudeness of even some who claim to be civilized, are all lost in the good will and suavity of gentle manners. The efficiency and usefulness of a liberal education are dwarfed unless developed under the genial influence of proper decorum.

The actual worth, then, of politeness is such as to make every one who would be refined and cultured seek to cultivate it to such an extent as to make it practical in all the walks of life.
Truly, a man's manners are his fortune.

Just google search etiquette and one finds a plethora of classes for children and adults - multiple books with how to's and to do lists! However, most lack the basic premise of such an art. It is more than memorization of what to do's - instead, it should be a daily practice of improving one's character and moral responsibility to himself and to respect others - especially when confronted by opposing views and beliefs.

America today certainly have role models displaying how NOT to behave - topping the list are our erudite politicians followed by industry leaders who would sell their own souls to the highest bidder.

Hollywood has always given us opposing views as to what is best for America - historically they never are taken seriously anyway. If anything it has been quite entertaining to see them for who and what they really are - their lack of integrity and moral character richotets across the screen when the mask is off!

The one area where society has given their trust has been historically to academia - and they too joined the wave of selling their souls to the highest bidder - wasteing precious classroom time in educating our students. They we should not forgive but work dilligently within our communities to hold them responsible and to rid the campuses of this plaque of social corrpution.

Manners do reflect the wisdom of our time - therefore the value of basic decency and respect need to be taught as an artform having value. It is the glue that binds us all together.