The old dignity code has not survived modern life. The costs of its demise are there for all to see. Every week there are new scandals featuring people who simply do not know how to act. For example, during the first few weeks of summer, three stories have dominated public conversation, and each one exemplifies another branch of indignity.
Excellent column by David Brooks in The New York Times.
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6 Comments, Comment or Ping
CashmereLibrarian
Wow. I’m not David Brooks’ biggest fan, but that was a very strong editorial.
Jul 7th, 2009
Patricia Harmanci
I’m so pleased you also read David Brook’s excellent editorial and urge others to do so. I also am not a fan of Brooks for the most part, but found this very lovely. Thank you for highlighting this particular column.
Jul 7th, 2009
Gentleman Mac
I find the only strength of this editorial lies in pointing out the oafish swains acting as visual daily reminders to rise above that behavior. The political slant seems unnecessary here.
Jul 8th, 2009
Will
I very much enjoyed Brooks’ column and I couldn’t agree more. I often wonder what will happen to our society if people continue to be so inconsiderate of others. I can hardly bring myself to read reader comments on articles because of the naked ugliness so often found there. Learning how to disagree without being disagreeable — and when to keep quiet — is a skill most could benefit from.
Jul 8th, 2009
Thomas Austell
David Brook’s hits the nail on the head. If only there were more conservatives like him. I worry that we will never return to the grand old days of restraint, self-composure, and dignity exemplified by General Washington. Mr. Brooks mentions a glimmer of hope in President Obama. I wonder how much of the tact and decorum we see in him is do to his being raised by his Kansas grandparents for a large portion of his childhood. It all starts with how we are taught to behave as children. I hope President Obama is the beginning and not the end of a return to civility.
Jul 8th, 2009
Robert
As I compose this e-mail I have a row of books in front of me, one of which is Washington’s Rules of Civility. Periodically I pull that book from the row to refresh my understanding of civil behavior. Thank you David Brooks for reminding us of a leader who was the gold standard of civility. I would expect this of Brooks who is always a calm, reasonable voice among a shrill cadre of commentators. I may not always agree with his conclusions on political matters, but I never doubt his thoughtful analysis of the issues. As Washington said: “Speak not injurious words, neither in jest or earnest; scoff at none although they give occasion.” (Rule # 65)
Jul 25th, 2009
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