The Importance of Being Civil and Polite
The third element of the five SemperVerus components is BE, which emphasizes the importance of intentionally reinforcing rectitude in yourself. It’s stated thusly:
III. Be: developing rich personal leadership character of exemplary moral and ethical quality.
The 18th-century German philosopher Immanuel Kant put it this way: “It is not necessary that while I live, I live happily; but it is necessary that so long as I live, I should live honorably.”
In his article, Why Politeness and Etiquette Matter, blogger Scott Monty references the handbook George Washington wrote when he was only a teenager titled, Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation. Washington’s final rule is a guiding light for all of us, “Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.”
[ Read the SemperVerus article, 10 Lessons From Benjamin Franklin’s Daily Schedule ]
Monty’s list of reasons why being civil is vital to a life well lived is because it fuels: