Character and Conduct Part 33

Th.o.r.eAU.

Courtesy

JULY 22

"Courtesy is really doing unto others as you would be done unto, and the heart of it lies in a careful consideration for the feelings of other people. It comes from putting one's self in his neighbour's place, and trying to enter into his mind, and it demands a certain suppression of one's self, and a certain delicate sympathy with one's neighbour."

Dr. JOHN WATSON.

"Even as one tries thus to think out the quality and work of courtesy, to understand the skill and power which it wields so quietly, to see the issues upon which it tells in the lives that are affected by it, one may begin to feel that its place is really with the great forces of character that enn.o.ble and redeem the world; that, simply and lightly as it moves, it rests on deep self-discipline and deals with a real task; that it is far more than a decoration or luxury of leisurely excellence.

But it is in contact with those who are growing perfect in it, those who never fail in it, that one may more nearly realise its greatness. In seeing how every part of life is lit and hallowed by it; how common incidents, daily duties, chance meetings, come to be avenues of brightness, and even means of grace; how points of light come quivering out upon the dull routine of business, or the conventionality of pleasure; how G.o.d is served through every hour of the day;--it is in seeing this that one may come to think it far from strange that for His beginning of miracles our Saviour chose an act of courtesy."

_Studies in the Christian Character_, Bishop PAGET.

Courtesy

JULY 23

"Courtesy. This is Love in society, Love in relation to etiquette. 'Love doth not behave itself unseemly.' Politeness has been defined as love in trifles. Courtesy is said to be love in little things. And the one secret of politeness is to love. Love _cannot_ behave itself unseemly."

_The Greatest Thing in the World_, HENRY DRUMMOND.

"The nearer you come into relation with a person, the more necessary do tact and courtesy become."

O. W. HOLMES.

"Kindness is the principle of tact, and respect for others the condition of 'savoir-vivre.'"

_Amiel's Journal._

"Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy."

EMERSON.

Courtesy

JULY 24

"True politeness arises from the heart, not the head."

"... The machinery of life is so apt to be heated, one keenly appreciates those who are ever deftly pouring in the cooling oil, by their patience and their tact, their sweetness and their sympathy. And one resents keenly that cla.s.s of people who are honest and well meaning, but who are persistently discourteous and are not ashamed--I mean the man who is credited with what is called a bluff, blunt manner, and who credits himself with a special quality of downrightness and straightforwardness. He considers it far better to say what he thinks, and boasts that he never minces his words, and people make all kinds of excuses for him, and rather talk as if he were a very fine fellow, beside whom civil-spoken persons are little better than hypocrites. As a matter of fact, no one can calculate the pain this outspoken gentleman causes in a single day, both in his family and outside."

Dr. JOHN WATSON.

"There is a courtesy of the heart; it is allied to love. From it springs the purest courtesy in the outward behaviour."

GOETHE.

Manners

JULY 25

"Manners are the happy ways of doing things. If they are superficial, so are the dew-drops, which give such a depth to the morning meadows."

EMERSON.

"Love's perfect blossom only blows Where n.o.ble manners veil defect."

C. PATMORE.

"The gentle minde by gentle deeds is knowne; For a man by nothing is so well bewrayed As by his manners."

SPENSER.

"True politeness is perfect ease and freedom. It simply consists in treating others just as you love to be treated yourself."

Lord CHESTERFIELD.

Manners

JULY 26

"Manners aim to facilitate life, to get rid of all impediments. They aid our dealings and conversation, as a railway aids travelling, by getting rid of all the obstructions on the road."

EMERSON.

"Defect in manners is usually the defect of fine perceptions."

EMERSON.

"He is beautiful in face, in port, in manners, who is absorbed in objects which he truly believes to be superior to himself."

EMERSON.

"Familiar acts are beautiful through love."

Manners