Hints on Common Politeness | Podcasts About Courtesy

Welcome to the Inspirational Living podcast — makers of the best selling hardcover book Evergreen: 50 Inspirational Life Lessons. Learn more at InspirationalLifeLessons.com. Today’s reading has been edited and adapted from the book Hints on Common Politeness, D. C. Colesworthy (Daniel Clement), published in 1867.

We have fallen on singular times. Who has any true regard for the rights of their neighbor? Where can a really polite person be found? If we do not actually spit in the faces of our friends, we are, every day of our lives, guilty of numberless thoughtless and uncivil acts that greatly displease and annoy them.

Your own pleasure, convenience, and interest should not be taken into consideration when they conflict with the duties you owe your neighbors and society at large. It is a glorious privilege to sacrifice our own selfish interests, if thereby we can promote the well-being of others, and scatter widely and profusely the blessings of life.

By offering these few hints that follow I hope to contribute to the welfare and happiness of my fellow citizens, and scatter more bountifully the sunshine and warmth that spring from elevated affections and sincere politeness.

It is not polite to fret and scold at the petty annoyances of life.

It is not polite to use harsh language when speaking to another person of their faults, however aggravating you may think they be.

It is not polite to seek opportunities for revenge. To forgive and to forget is the true doctrine.

It is not polite to get unnecessarily excited and angry, whatever the provocation may be.

It is not polite to pass a relative or an acquaintance without acknowledging them.

It is not polite to refuse to accommodate another, when it is in your power, and you can do it without detriment to yourself, and without infringing on the rights of others.

It is not polite to request of another a favor that you would not willingly grant under similar circumstances.

It is not polite to invite persons to your house, when you do not desire to see them.

It is not polite to contradict another, or rudely to question the truth of their remarks. You should speak with moderation, and convince with truthful arguments.

It is not polite to borrow money, a book, or any article, and not return it at the time designated, or to wait until called upon by the owner. Forgetfulness or thoughtlessness is not a justifiable excuse when you retain, a moment longer than the time specified, whatever belongs to someone else.

It is not polite to use pompous or high-sounding words in conversation. The more simple words the better, in which you can convey your meaning and be understood.

It is not polite to notice the defects of nature in others, or to speak, in their presence, of their imperfection.

It is not polite to betray a confidence placed in you, or to obtain one with the intention of using it to someone’s disadvantage.

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