Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Courtesy. THAT is what i aspire to.

A courteous man is quick to retract his own words, rather than question the words of another, a courteous man would sooner doubt the truth of his own words than the truth of another's. A courteous man considers how his appearance will make others feel, and does not protest at the appearance of others. A courteous man is honest, and respects the words of all those before him as honesty. A courteous man is quick to forgive and beg pardon for himself, and slow to point blame at another. A courteous man presents himself at face value, lest he deceive others, and assumes that others act in sheer candor, lest he distrust them. Courtesy is doing what does not profit you that another might appreciate your deed. Courtesy does not bend, does not twist, does not lean to suit motives. Courtesy dictates that one control one's own self, and neither seek to control another, nor seek to force another to control one's self. Courtesy demands total responsibility for every action, every feeling, and thought, but with the other hand, grants total control over the same. Courtesy demands mercy in justice, and justice in mercy. Courtesy demands truth, and courtesy demands Love. In these, Courtesy demands no less than the most truth and Love that any person is able to give. Above all, a courteous man always assumes that everyone he meets is being more courteous than he.

2 Comments:

Blogger Third said...

This is so far from complete. i could fill a whole book with just this word, i swear. i'll be adding to this.

12:51 AM  
Blogger Brian Armitage said...

Please don't assume that I am being more courteous than you, nor attempting to. It is close to, but not exactly what I aspire to.

10:03 PM  

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