MANNERS

 

          MANNERS

‘Manners’ is the plural of ‘manner’ which means method, system, approach, technique, procedure, style, habit, custom. ‘Manners’ conveys more than all that. They mean : social behavior, conduct, etiquette, protocol, decorum, propriety, formalities, politeness, etc..

            There are both good manners and bad manners.

 Good manners are defined as ‘a way of behaving in a respectful and polite manner towards others.’

A man of good manners ought to be respectful, considerate, appreciative, grateful, co-operative, responsive, courteous, helpful, friendly, cordial, thankful, etc.                 

Some examples of bad manners are: rudeness, shouting, using of foul language, unwanted criticism, belittling others, being offensive, thankless, defiant, irresponsible, unfaithful, indifferent, etc.

 Here are some ideas about manners in general:

(i). Manners are  minor morals.

(ii). Cultured and fine manners are everywhere a passport to regard.

(iii). Pride, ill nature, and want of sense are the three great sources of ill   manners. 

(iv). Good breeding consists in having no particular mark of any profession, but a general elegance of manners.—English writer Samuel Johnson (1709-84).

(v). Civility costs nothing, and buys everything. ---Lady M.W.Montague, English letter-writer (1689-1762).

(vi). What a rare gift is that of manners ! How difficult to define; how much more difficult to impart ! ---Better for a man to possess them, than to have wealth, beauty, or talent; they will more than supply all. ----  Edward George  Bulwer-Lytton, English novelist (803-73).  

Finally, this is what the Anglo-Irish statesman and philosopher (1729-1797) who spent most of his time in Great Britain said: Manners are of more importance than laws. Upon them, in a great measure, the laws depend. The law can touch us here and there, now and then. Manners are what vex or soothe , corrupt or purify, exalt or debase, barbarize or refine, by a constant, steady, uniform, insensible operation, like that of the air we breathe in. They give their whole form and colour to our lives. According to their quality, they aid morals, they supply them, or they totally destroy them.

G.R.Kanwal

5^th December 2024