Lack of Good Manners

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Sep 7, 1904

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 30, No. 36.

Lack of Good Manners

One of the great dailies points out a defect in the education of American children, their premature forwardness, not to say impertinence, and lack of courteous manners. It says:—

At the age when the English or French child is in the nursery, knowing its subordinate place in the world, our American boy is loudly discussing the next election with his father's guests, and the girl is leading the German, equipped with the dress and jewels and lovers which belong to an adult woman. If these children are not gentle nor unselfish nor courteous, whose fault is it?

Another curious fact is worth looking into. Just now millions of poor boys and girls in this country are leaving schools where they have been taught gratuitously every science and knowledge which can fit them to make their way in life except the one without which they can not make their way at all; that is—good manners.

It is foolish to thrust this matter aside as insignificant. A man's success in life with his customers, his clients, or his wife and children, depends quite as much upon his manners as upon his skill or knowledge. The world turns its back on the ill-bred boor, no matter how great his ability, and welcomes the courteous, kindly gentleman on sight.

And it is all true; and Christians are greatly wanting in this respect. Let others count good manners worthy of cultivation because of profit; but let the Christian honor them as a matter of principle. “Be courteous.”