Character and Conduct – 22 July – Courtesy

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 ennoble 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 God 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

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These quotes are from ‘Character and Conduct’ A selection of helpful thoughts from various authors arranged for daily reading.

Collected by Constance M Whishaw and first published in 1905 as a follow up to her volume of Daily Readings for members of the Being and Doing Guild who asked for an additional volume

In her preface Whishaw writes:

‘This collection of noble thoughts expressed by men and women of past and present ages who have endeavoured to leave the world a little better than they found it.’

It is my hope in publishing them here readers may be inspired to imitate the example of the authors.