Essay On Politeness Essay On Importance Of Politeness In Life

Essay On Politeness

Politeness has been well defined as benevolence in trifles: Like benevolence on a. larger scale, it include a felling in the mind as well as the performance of those outward ac ionh.. which that feeling is manifested. The internal feeling which s a essentipat of the politeness, is the same all over the world. hownTer much its manifestations may etfer. it is the desire to put fiose w torn we 7-1'. .et perfectly at their ease, and save them from every kind of petty discomfort and annoyance.

Benevolence in its ordinary sense implies Love's our fellow-men and a desire to do all we can to promote their permanent happiness. The limited part of benevolence called politeness: required only an inclination to make them happy temporarily, while they are in our presence. and when this can done without any sacrifice on oui- part r)r on:y with a slight sacrifice of personal :;oiitio-it. It is possibje that politeness may in dissociated from general excellence o character, as in the case of Charles II, \vho exhibited his remarkable urbanity of manner even on his death-bed by apologising tor being " a inost unconscionable time dying."

In certain cases there may even be a conflict between politeness and ordinary benevolence. For instance, a doctor may. by politely sacrificing his j1a in a conveyance to a lady. arrive late at a sick¬bed where his 111...Se4iCe is urgently required. In such cases, of course. politeness should y, ield to the higher obligation.
the particular; acticns in which politeness is n ‘Liifested differ according to circumstances and according to the customs of different countries. As long as society recognises distinctions in rank. politeness requires us to show marks of respect to our superiors, that are not expected in the presence of our equal and inferiors. Different rules of behaviour have to be observed.

According as we arc in the street or in the drawing-room, at home or at school. in the company of friends or of strangers. There is also to be considered • the great diversity of social etiquette which distinguishes one country from another. A polite i:renchman in his own cc untry raises his hat-to a shop-girl! when he enters a shop. but if he did so in England, he would be laughed at, and the object of his polite attention would not improbably resent his conduct.

[he difference in these matters is so great between the East and the \Vest, that it is very difficult for European and Eastern to meet in social intercourse without unintentionally offending one another. ln such circumstances a more liberal interpretation of the rule of politeness requires a large amount of mutual indulgence.
Politeness, besides being a duty that Ne owe to others. is a valuable possession for ourselves. It costs nothing. and yet may in many cases bring much, profit.

The great advantage of this excellence of conduct was very clearly expressed by Dr. Johnson. when he said that the difference between a well-bred and an ill-bred man is that one immediately attracts your liking, the other your aversion. -You love the one," he observes. -till you find reason to hate him: you hate the other till you find reason to love him." In this way, the well-bred man has in his politeness what is equivalent to a valuable letter of introduction, that recommends him to every one with whom he comes into contact.