Friday, May 1, 2009

Courtesy costs nothing but gains everything

How many of us have the patience and courtesy to stop for a second and tell the time when asked for .We keep moving along and mumble the time without caring whether the other got it. Do we wait when asked for directions and give clearly or just keep walking telling nothing or just batha nai or I don’t know. How many of us are willing to stand up and offer our seats in a metro to an old man or pregnant woman where we are required to travel for 45 minutes to reach our destination. Do we bend and help in gathering the papers dropped unless the person who dropped is a young lady? Do we agree to give our lower berths to an upper berth to an old man? There are many such instances where courtesy can be extended and where people can be helpful. We do not even use ‘please’, ‘thanks’ or ‘excuse me’ as much as is necessary to people placed lower than us.
Courtesy is the essence of life. We spend nothing except a kind word or a few moments but gain everything. People do not announce who they are when making phone calls or express regret when they have made a wrong call. Some turn rude if you have made a wrong call. Lack of courtesy reflects poor upbringing. Are we polite in replying letters /mails when we get enquiries about something we are not dealing or conversant with? Do we go the extra mail giving useful information? Do we go out of our way to show customers they did us a favor by coming to us? There are scores of such instances where courtesy can be shown. It casts reciprocal obligations on us.We have to show respect and gratitude to those who are civil and polite to us. Then only it becomes contagious spreading cheer all around.
This trait is best seen in those who have had good upbringing. It is important that we raise our children in this manner by personal example and practice even in the household. The parent’s influence is the strongest in this regard. Courtesy is amplified by this story I read somewhere.When Einstein was holding a party to some well known people, he saw a young boy sitting alone bored and neglected by others. He went near the boy and asked him whether he liked music. When the boy evinced interest, Einstein took him to the first floor and entertained him with music on the piano. He forgot his guests and spent his time in regaling the boy. This is the height of courtesy where even the feelings of a youngster are observed. What would have been the impact on the boy for this generous gesture? Courtesy costs us no money but gives joy both to the giver and receiver. More so in crowded places, in rush hour, in competitive situations a smile and thank you will make the world a happier place to live in.
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8 comments:

  1. Courtesy demands i write my comments!Well a forgotton act--courtesy ---rarely we find courteous people. What about our politicians --where is the courtesy when traffic is held for hours when a big wig visits.
    It is not only parental upbringing. Squarely responsibility lies on schools also where a good time is spent by children.

    Your joking mention that one bends to pick paper if dropped by young lady is not due to courtesy but other ulterior reasons!!

    srini562002@yahoo.com

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  2. What seems to be a small act of courtesy for us , could make the day for another person. In this age of machines, even we people become mechanical with no feelings. We all should practice a little courtesy and make the world a better place to live. Nice article!

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  3. A beautifully written, thought-provoking post. Children learn courtesy from parents and teachers. However, if, unfortunately, they have not had good parents or good teachers, when they grow up, they can still learn from their conscience.

    I like this post a lot. Thank you, Parthasarathi, for spreading such positive energy for the benefit of us. Have a great day, my friend :)

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  4. A beautifully written, thought-provoking post. Children learn courtesy from parents and teachers. However, if, unfortunately, they have not had good parents or good teachers, when they grow up, they can still learn from their conscience.

    I like this post a lot. Thank you, Parthasarathi, for spreading such positive energy for the benefit of us. Have a great day, my friend :)

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  5. I am always a late comer I think …hmm
    Maybe my courtesy wheels are a little slow …

    Ohh sure you have got it absolutely right here …
    An encouraging word, appreciating tap on back, reassuring nod can all do magic in a person’s life and all these come at the cost of nothing!

    And let me say, I am one such beneficiary because of you Sir …

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  6. Loved this post 2 no ends!!!!...

    as Ayesha said.. it spreads +ve energy.. a heartfelt thanks for a lovely post as this..

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  7. Yes it doesnt cost one anything to be courteous, but nowadays ppl do not have time for anything...but for themselves. They are so self indulges that they dont even realise if the person standing next to them is an old person or a pregnant woman, for them its just another who is none of their problem. Thanks for bringing this up, values are fast being lost, its in our hands to revive them by making ppl understand how imp they are.

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