“Courtesy is a science of the highest importance. It is, like grace and beauty in the body, which charm at first sight, and leads on to further intimacy and friendship, opening a door that we may derive instruction from the example of others, and at the same time enabling us to benefit them by our example, if there be anything in our character worthy of imitation”. (Montaigne).
Courtesy is the fourth pillar of Epicureanism, along with moderation, friendship and lack of fear.
In my humble opinion, the need for courtesy has never been greater. There have always been rude and inconsiderate people amongst the masses, but those who attend university- the supposedly most educated and sophisticated cohort of people- can also be throughoutly uncivil, especially to women. Many of my friends have been lied to, cheated on, verbally abused, pushed around at clubs and other crowded venues, told how ugly they are- just to name a few instances of uncourteous behaviour I’ve witnessed. This has to end, and it can only end with a fundamental change of culture, and a reaffirmation of the values of decency, respect and sense of fair play that made Britain a great nation.