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4th Sem English Communication 2025 Answer

Natural courtesy is a sincere expression of politeness and respect that stems from an individual's character, promoting social harmony and well-being. A.G. Gardiner emphasizes its importance in his essay 'On Saying Please,' illustrating how small acts of courtesy can enhance relationships and diffuse conflicts. Conversely, a lack of courtesy can lead to social breakdown, diminished trust, and increased conflict, highlighting the need for kindness in society.

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Adhish Bipul Barman
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359 views3 pages

4th Sem English Communication 2025 Answer

Natural courtesy is a sincere expression of politeness and respect that stems from an individual's character, promoting social harmony and well-being. A.G. Gardiner emphasizes its importance in his essay 'On Saying Please,' illustrating how small acts of courtesy can enhance relationships and diffuse conflicts. Conversely, a lack of courtesy can lead to social breakdown, diminished trust, and increased conflict, highlighting the need for kindness in society.

Uploaded by

Adhish Bipul Barman
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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What is natural courtesy? How does it affect the society? Explain with reference to A.G.

Gardiner’s essay “On Saying Please”.

Introduction:

Courtesy is a behavior marked by polished manners, respect, and consideration for


others. It involves treating everyone with respect and consideration, regardless of
their social standing. In other words, it means being polite and showing good
manners in one's interactions with others.

Natural Courtesy:

Natural courtesy is a genuine and sincere expression of politeness, respect, and


consideration towards others, which stems from an individual's inherent character
and moral values, rather than being motivated by external expectations or social
pressures. It is a reflection of one's inner goodness and manifests in everyday
interactions, fostering harmonious relationships and contributing to the overall well-
being of society.

A.G. Gardiner’s view on Courtesy:

According to A.G. Gardiner, natural courtesy is like a gentle rain, nourishes society.
Even though courtesy may seem like a small thing, it has the power to make our
interactions smoother and more enjoyable. He stresses that a courteous person
treats others with respect and empathy, regardless of their social status. He notes
how small acts of courtesy, like saying "please" and "thank you," can significantly
impact people's moods and relationships.

Gardiner believes that courtesy is essential for maintaining social harmony. He points
out that discourtesy can lead to a breakdown in social interactions, causing people to
become angry and resentful. In his essay, Gardiner provides examples of how
discourtesy can escalate into conflict and create a hostile environment. However, he
also shows how courtesy can defuse tense situations and promote understanding.

Positive Impacts of Natural Courtesy in society:

• Fosters Social Harmony: Natural courtesy fosters positive interactions,


promoting understanding and minimizing conflicts.
• Builds Trust and Respect: When people feel valued and respected, trust is
strengthened, paving the way for healthier relationships.
• Encourages Reciprocity: Witnessing or experiencing natural courtesy often
inspires others to act similarly, creating a ripple effect of goodwill.
• Improves Mental Well-being: Both the giver and receiver of courtesy
experience increased happiness, reducing stress and promoting a sense of
belonging.
• Enhances Professionalism: In workplaces, natural courtesy fosters
collaboration, boosts morale, and improves overall productivity.
• **Upholds Human Dignity: **Natural courtesy recognizes the inherent worth
of every individual, fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and
respected.
• Promotes Empathy and Understanding: When people practice natural
courtesy, they try to understand other people’s perspectives. This promotes a
deeper understanding of diverse viewpoints, reducing misunderstandings and
conflicts.

Negative Impacts of Lack of Natural Courtesy:

• Social Breakdown: A widespread lack of courtesy can erode the social fabric,
leading to increased friction and discord among individuals and groups.
• Erosion of Trust: When people experience rudeness and disrespect, trust
diminishes, making it difficult to form meaningful connections and cooperate
with others.
• Increased Conflict: Discourteous behavior can easily escalate into arguments
and even violence, disrupting peace and harmony within communities.
• Psychological Harm: Both the recipients and perpetrators of discourtesy may
suffer from increased stress, anxiety, and decreased self-esteem, affecting
their overall well-being.
• Economic Consequences: A discourteous environment can harm businesses,
leading to decreased customer satisfaction, loss of productivity, and a
negative impact on the overall economy.

Conclusion: Natural courtesy is more than just good manners; it is a reflection


of a person's character and their respect for others. It is about treating
everyone with kindness, empathy, and consideration, regardless of their social
status or background. As illustrated in A.G. Gardiner's essay "On Saying
Please," natural courtesy has the power to transform our interactions, build
stronger relationships, and create a more harmonious society. By practicing
natural courtesy, we contribute to a culture of respect, understanding, and
consideration, making the world a better place for ourselves and for future
generations.
Final Thoughts

Gardiner’s essay serves as a reminder that the smallest acts of kindness and
politeness have far-reaching effects. In a world increasingly marked by haste and
indifference, cultivating natural courtesy is essential for preserving the fabric of social
harmony. As Gardiner suggests, "The little courtesies sweeten life; the little
discourtesies sour it."

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