Sherry, I love this reflection about the deeper nature of manners. The way in which our consciousness of others' worth guides our actions, and how often this culminates in small acts that have larger impact. Cleaning up after ourselves, using language that reflects holiness, and building a life that reflects an understanding of how we fit into the broader fabric of a kingdom. The only caveat I would add, which came to mind, was to what degree people are losing manners not out of moral scarcity, or even poor conditioning, and more out of seeking to cope.
Often, when the demands of life outweigh our cognitive and emotional reserves, it seems that we may well be brought to a state of thoughtlessness to the lives of others. As the mental health crisis in our country increases, with anxiety, depression and loneliness on the rise, I can't help but wonder if people just lose sight of one another. I say this not to say that it is excusable, but rather, perhaps it is one element of the shift that is explainable. Perhaps it is symptomatic of a deeper scarcity in our culture.
A thought. As always, I love your writing and look forward to your words in my inbox!
I’ve been fascinated with “tip of the iceberg” tells. Small things someone does that reveal reams of knowledge about who they are, what they value.
Manners are a great example. They also can’t lie. You can tell more about someone by whether they tuck in their chair than by what they tell you about who they are.
Hi Sherry, this is another one of your writings I'll save to read over and over again.
I can't express enough how grateful I am for the topics you choose to write about; they are often things I care deeply about and that people around me usually dobr give much attention to.
Discovering your writing is definitely part of my highlights of the year.
Well said. I do agree that bad manners, or a lack of good manners, are seemingly more common in society.
I think one main factor is that people are generally more inconsiderate; they don't bother to think about and ponder on their actions and their effects towards those around them and their surroundings.
In that sense, such people are mostly thinking only about themselves.
Sherry, I love this reflection about the deeper nature of manners. The way in which our consciousness of others' worth guides our actions, and how often this culminates in small acts that have larger impact. Cleaning up after ourselves, using language that reflects holiness, and building a life that reflects an understanding of how we fit into the broader fabric of a kingdom. The only caveat I would add, which came to mind, was to what degree people are losing manners not out of moral scarcity, or even poor conditioning, and more out of seeking to cope.
Often, when the demands of life outweigh our cognitive and emotional reserves, it seems that we may well be brought to a state of thoughtlessness to the lives of others. As the mental health crisis in our country increases, with anxiety, depression and loneliness on the rise, I can't help but wonder if people just lose sight of one another. I say this not to say that it is excusable, but rather, perhaps it is one element of the shift that is explainable. Perhaps it is symptomatic of a deeper scarcity in our culture.
A thought. As always, I love your writing and look forward to your words in my inbox!
Damn this really hit home. Thanks
🧯🚒
I’ve been fascinated with “tip of the iceberg” tells. Small things someone does that reveal reams of knowledge about who they are, what they value.
Manners are a great example. They also can’t lie. You can tell more about someone by whether they tuck in their chair than by what they tell you about who they are.
Great essay :)
Hi Sherry, this is another one of your writings I'll save to read over and over again.
I can't express enough how grateful I am for the topics you choose to write about; they are often things I care deeply about and that people around me usually dobr give much attention to.
Discovering your writing is definitely part of my highlights of the year.
Well said. I do agree that bad manners, or a lack of good manners, are seemingly more common in society.
I think one main factor is that people are generally more inconsiderate; they don't bother to think about and ponder on their actions and their effects towards those around them and their surroundings.
In that sense, such people are mostly thinking only about themselves.