Civility. 80% of Americans think that it’s a serious social issue, but 99% of those same people say they aren’t part of the problem! About 15 years have passed since Dr. P. M. Forni published that finding; I wonder if it’s any different now?
Civility is essential to the functioning of democracy. Long ago, Aristotle was convinced that we cannot become truly human until we can capably function as citizens of the city. During the American Revolution, civic virtue became a matter of public interest and discussion because republics require the cultivation of certain political beliefs, interests, and habits among citizens. If such habits (civil discussions, respect of others’ opinions, etc.) are not cultivated, our republic is in danger of falling back into some sort of authoritarian rule. Don’t think it can’t happen!
Self-control is required if we truly want to become more civil. George Washington studied Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation: a Book of Etiquette. Some of his favorite admonitions included:
- Every Action done in Company ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.
- Let your Conversation be without Malice or Envy…and in all Causes of Passion, admit Reason to Govern.
- Labor to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Celestial fire Called Conscience.
In the 1960s, Americans’ sense of shared experience resulting from the Great Depression and World War II began to vanish, and with it, basic civility. In 2001, 9/11 brought us all back together, but only briefly. Today, we seem more fractured than ever, with every group claiming “facts” and “truth” and the “real answers” to problems. Lots of yelling and finger-pointing do little to elevate the quality of our discourse.
The consequences of incivility are not a new issue. Consider, for example, James 4: 1-3 in the Bible: “Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves.”
We can become more civil, however, and it’s worth the effort.
(Discussion of this topic will continue next week.)