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The Gentle Art of Civility |
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"Acquire knowledge and adorn it with courtesy," resounded the timeless
wisdom of Confucius.
Etiquette, an exquisite tapestry woven from the threads of upbringing and
refined civilization, emerges as an indispensable catalyst in the arduous
pursuit of constructing a harmonious society. Its allure and significance
are profound, for politeness holds the key to this noble endeavor.
In a remote university nestled within the heartland of the United States,
the eminent psychologist Adler graced the eager minds of students with a
lecture. Initially poised for opposition, the sight of his benevolent
countenance dispelled their preconceived notions, and an atmosphere of favor
bloomed within their hearts. As the discourse concluded, the auditorium
erupted in a heartfelt applause. A student, compelled by the transformative
power of Adler's smile, tenderly slipped him a note bearing these words:
"Mr. Adler, your smile has conquered us." Thus, the might of a simple smile
manifested, eradicating misunderstandings and kindling harmony amid
divergent souls.
While Japan stands renowned for its economic prowess, it reverently nurtures
its service personnel with unwavering dedication. Within the heart of this
esteemed nation, a distinctive institution, aptly named the "Politeness
Training School," takes root. Countless enterprises dispatch their budding
employees, particularly the young maidens, to acquire the art of respectful
discourse, the grace of exchanging business cards, the poise befitting the
esteemed, and the artful valedictions bestowed upon departing guests.
In the tapestry of our nation’s service industry, the most coveted hue is
that of politeness and reverence. Yet, alas, the modern canvas betrays a
disheartening trend. The visage of apathy greets weary visitors who venture
into stores, where a simple inquiry about a product is met with a careless
toss onto the counter and a frigid utterance of "Inspect it yourself." Were
you ever a victim of such indifference, would you find solace within those
forsaken walls again? So, we ponder: What mystique surrounds American
fast-food empires like McDonald's and KFC that renders them beloved in the
heart of China? The answer lies not solely in the eminence of their
offerings but in the paragon of their customer service, an art that
transcends time and place.
Should these modest examples seem trifling, they unfurl a profound
exploration of civility and etiquette, peering into the very soul of a
nation’s dignity—a matter of great import. History beckons our attention to
an incident when Li Hongzhang journeyed to Russian lands and, in a moment of
regrettable spontaneity, expelled his saliva upon public terrain, resulting
in torrents of disapproval cascading from foreign media. Though seemingly
inconsequential, this solitary act tainted the nation’s reputation, wounding
the delicate mantle of its dignity. Can we dismiss such events as trifles?
In the contemporary era, countless Chinese travelers venture abroad, their
cacophonous conduct intruding upon the sanctity of foreign realms,
disregarding local customs, and imprinting upon the hearts of foreigners a
tarnished image. Pray, tell me, how does this diverge from the far-reaching
impact of Li Hongzhang’s regrettable expectoration?
In the words of Herzen, a profound verity resonates: "The most important
thing in life is politeness. It surpasses the realm of profound wisdom and
all-encompassing knowledge." Indeed, existence is a terrain rife with
disputes and discord. However, should the disputants, amid their strife,
embrace mutual comprehension and embark upon the path of compromise, the
mountainous obstacles of disagreement would shrink, and the petty squabbles
would dwindle into insignificance. Should our nation aspire to erect the
magnificent edifice of a harmonious society, it must commence with the
humblest of gestures—the cultivation of civility and politeness. Thus, the
dawn of a harmonious society, shimmering with promise, lies within our
grasp, awaiting the touch of etiquette’s tender hand. |
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