Use of fork and spoon, with practical illustrations.
Impoliteness of rapid eating.
[Chapter XII.]
LESSON ON MANNERS.
FOR ADVANCED PUPILS.
LESSON 1.
Purpose.—To suggest the underlying principles of good manners.
Method.—Item to be read with or without comment, or questions to be asked.
The Lesson.
Some one says “True politeness consists in making every one happy about you.” It is true that forgetfulness of self and thoughtfulness of the comfort and happiness of others makes one’s behavior very acceptable to others. A kind heart is undoubtedly the foundation of good manners; but if this be so, there are other qualities of equal importance that form a superstructure on which good manners rest. We use the term gentleman and lady with reference to outward appearance, but they also imply that a person is honest and true and refined. Who would think of calling one a gentleman if his word could not be trusted? Charles I. said to the Commoners, “You have not only the word of a king but of a gentleman.” Could a lady be guilty of indelicate language? Would a real gentleman or lady ridicule the unfortunate? True courtesy implies much more than an outside show. Even what seems a mere form is usually founded in kindness and common sense. It is necessary that we become familiar with these forms. We do not like to be called odd or peculiar. We do not like to be considered ignorant of what good and wise people have decided it proper and right to do. We wish rather to copy the manners of the best people that we may gain their esteem and be classed with them. If we learn and practise good manners while we are young, when older we shall practise them unconsciously, as they will have become a habit.