Courtesy

 What is this concept called 'courtesy'? Does it merely mean mindlessly intoning 'sorry', 'excuse me', 'thank you', et al? Does it refer to the so-called pleasantries those bigwigs share before they begin discussing (or is it dissecting, detecting, et al) such huge stuff  as the ' the teleology of the proto-typical governance models and their impact on biodiversity ', for example? Does it mean, like its namesake, 'curtsy',  merely the genuflection to greet the royalty?

I do not really think so. In my opinion, the physical activities mentioned above are mere tokens of an inner feel. What are the ingredients that go in to the making of this unique feel? 

First and foremost, it is humility. It indeed is rare to find, given the very many half-baked swollen heads that we have in huge numbers in this world of ours. Such stupid aspects of life as so-called made-up looks, or "white" complexion (as they say in Indian English) or a little riches or very minor achievements go to their heads. They seem to forget that very many superb greats are milling around, and without any show-shaw. 

The million dollar question would be: should one (continue to) be courteous to such empty vessels? I would say 'yes', and in a big way. No, your consistency may not shame them. Hopefully, though, good habits rub on even on a total fool, right? 

Courtesy, moreover, means learning from each and every one, whatever their station in life, profession, age, wage, whatever. Well, even the fools mentioned above may teach us how not to be (c)rude, right? 

Well, as they say, indeed, life is short. Yet it is not so very limited that it has no space for decency and courtesy, right? Our behaviour patterns, moreover, are a huge comment on our upbringing. Why get bad (re)views about/on our mothers, right?  Instead, better to follow the wise who say time and again that courtesy costs nothing, but buys all that is the best in this human(e) world!

Pratima@'The greater the man, the greater the courtesy', says Tennyson. No wonder, they say, poets are the wisest!