Some children seem to have an inbuilt ability to say please
and thank you. Is this drilled into them by their parents or is the ability to
be polite simply a part of the DNA?
You run through from your study where you have been
grappling with the affairs of the world. You are sprinting in response to your
child’s urgent cries for help. Your heart is beating and your brow is flushed.
You fall panting to your knees beside your child and stretch your hand out. You
gasp: “Yes dear. What can I do to help?”
“Is six times nine fifty four?”
Several thoughts flash through your mind. Then a fleeting
thought enters your mind. It is a mere wisp of a memory. You recall the poem by
Harry Graham called `Politeness’.
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My cousin John was most polite;
He led shortsighted Mrs Bond, By accident, one winter's night Into a village pond. Her life perhaps he might have saved But how genteelly he behaved! Each time she rose and waved to him He smiled and bowed and doffed his hat; Thought he, although I cannot swim, At least I can do that - And when for the third time she sank He stood bareheaded on the bank. Be civil, then, to young and old; Especially to persons who Possess a quantity of gold Which they might leave to you. The more they have, it seems to me, The more polite you ought to be. |
