4.2 Etiquette, Courtesy and Behavior
A good man does not argue. He who argues is not a good man. – Lao Tzu, Father of Taoism, a sixth century B.C. Chinese philosopher.
Life is short. But there is always time enough for a simple courtesy, a small talk or a little etiquette. Etiquette is a nice little art. One can forgive you for the murder but not for your impoliteness. A man is known by the way he behaves, with people especially with people at perceived lower rank than he is. It is a common human tendency to be nice and courteous to people who are more powerful than us, say, our superiors and less courteous to people who are less powerful. A typical physiology goes like this: When I am weak, how can I compromise? When I am strong, why should …show more content…
It happened several years ago in the Paris opera house. A famous singer had been contracted to sing, and ticket sales were booming. In fact, the night of the concert found the house packed and every ticket were sold. The feeling of anticipation and excitement was in the air as the house manager took the stage and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your enthusiastic support. I am afraid that due to illness, the singer whom you've all come to hear will not be performing tonight. However, we have found a suitable substitute who, we hope, will provide you with comparable entertainment.” The crowd grumbled in disappointment and did not care to hear the announcer mention the substitute’s name. The atmosphere turned from excitement to disappointment. The substitute performer gave the performance to the best of his ability; but when he had finished there was nothing but an uncomfortable calm. No one celebrated with applaud. Dense silence settled over the opera house. Suddenly, from the balcony, a little boy stood up and shouted, “Daddy, I think you are wonderful!” The crowd broke into thunderous applause. We all need noble people in our humanity, who are willing to stand up once in a while and say: “I think you are …show more content…
‘Behave yourself’ – a little better than what is required of you. At its basics, etiquette is just a set of rules, mostly flexible, that allows us to function well in more formal settings. For example, table etiquette (seating, setting and decorum), conversation (style, tact, small talk, use of language, body language and non-verbal communications) are some art of social conducts especially in social events. (While serving food, dish should be offered from the left. Men should be served drinks after the female guests.) Knowledge of etiquette helps us to act properly and saves us from embarrassments. Etiquette and protocol are social skills. They aid to face everyday life whether it is, for a man to stand up when a lady enters the room, or offering his seat on public transport to an elder one who happens to be standing for no available seat. To avoid coarse language, not to pick one's nose, and not to litter are simple aspects of etiquette, good social behavior, or a good manner, as you like it. Manner matters, because it is our sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If I have made an appointment with you, I owe you the punctuality. I need to be in time. People count the faults of those who keep them waiting. If we have such awareness, we have good manners. Then it does not matter as much, if we make noise while eating soup. By the way, to some
A good man does not argue. He who argues is not a good man. – Lao Tzu, Father of Taoism, a sixth century B.C. Chinese philosopher.
Life is short. But there is always time enough for a simple courtesy, a small talk or a little etiquette. Etiquette is a nice little art. One can forgive you for the murder but not for your impoliteness. A man is known by the way he behaves, with people especially with people at perceived lower rank than he is. It is a common human tendency to be nice and courteous to people who are more powerful than us, say, our superiors and less courteous to people who are less powerful. A typical physiology goes like this: When I am weak, how can I compromise? When I am strong, why should …show more content…
It happened several years ago in the Paris opera house. A famous singer had been contracted to sing, and ticket sales were booming. In fact, the night of the concert found the house packed and every ticket were sold. The feeling of anticipation and excitement was in the air as the house manager took the stage and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your enthusiastic support. I am afraid that due to illness, the singer whom you've all come to hear will not be performing tonight. However, we have found a suitable substitute who, we hope, will provide you with comparable entertainment.” The crowd grumbled in disappointment and did not care to hear the announcer mention the substitute’s name. The atmosphere turned from excitement to disappointment. The substitute performer gave the performance to the best of his ability; but when he had finished there was nothing but an uncomfortable calm. No one celebrated with applaud. Dense silence settled over the opera house. Suddenly, from the balcony, a little boy stood up and shouted, “Daddy, I think you are wonderful!” The crowd broke into thunderous applause. We all need noble people in our humanity, who are willing to stand up once in a while and say: “I think you are …show more content…
‘Behave yourself’ – a little better than what is required of you. At its basics, etiquette is just a set of rules, mostly flexible, that allows us to function well in more formal settings. For example, table etiquette (seating, setting and decorum), conversation (style, tact, small talk, use of language, body language and non-verbal communications) are some art of social conducts especially in social events. (While serving food, dish should be offered from the left. Men should be served drinks after the female guests.) Knowledge of etiquette helps us to act properly and saves us from embarrassments. Etiquette and protocol are social skills. They aid to face everyday life whether it is, for a man to stand up when a lady enters the room, or offering his seat on public transport to an elder one who happens to be standing for no available seat. To avoid coarse language, not to pick one's nose, and not to litter are simple aspects of etiquette, good social behavior, or a good manner, as you like it. Manner matters, because it is our sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If I have made an appointment with you, I owe you the punctuality. I need to be in time. People count the faults of those who keep them waiting. If we have such awareness, we have good manners. Then it does not matter as much, if we make noise while eating soup. By the way, to some