GOOD MANNERS - J.C.Hill

GOOD MANNERS                                                         -  J.C.Hill

About the author: John C Hill (1888 – 1943) is a famous British writer. He was educated at Harrow and Trinity College, and was eventually ordained as a priest.

Introduction:  J. C. Hill’s “Good Manners” is an adaptation from his famous book “An Introduction to Citizenship”. In his essay “Good Manners”, the famous British writer John C. Hill stresses on the importance of thoughtfulness and courtesy towards common people. Human life on this planet is not permanent. Hence one must try, as far as possible, to behave politely and to help others.

Good manners are based on having sympathy for others and acknowledging one’s own limitations. We should strive to maintain cordial relations amongst one another.

1.      How did the attack of influenza change the young man’s attitude towards old men?

Hill begins the essay with a story of a young man. Once there lived a young man who was very strong and healthy and carried on his work very actively. He was proud of his strength and had no sympathy for the “uninteresting folk” i.e. the old and the helpless people. One day he got an attack of influenza and became seriously ill. When he recovered, he became very weak. He could hardly walk. After a few days, he started working again. But he felt very tired while returning home from work. He felt sad looking at the strong young men sitting comfortably in the train or bus. It was then that he understood the misery of the weak and old people who were standing beside him throughout the journey. He realized that he will get back his strength after some days but those old people will never get back theirs. After recovering, he promptly gave up his seat for the weak and the aged in the bus or train. One should not feel proud of him and look down upon the weak.

2.      What made the young man lose his strength?

Hill begins the essay with a story of a young man. Once there lived a young man who was very strong and healthy and carried on his work very actively. He was proud of his strength and had no sympathy for the “uninteresting folk” i.e. the old and the helpless people. One day he got an attack of influenza and became seriously ill. When he recovered, he became very weak. He could hardly walk. After a few days, he started working again. But he felt very tired while returning home from work. He felt sad looking at the strong young men sitting comfortably in the train or bus. It was then that he understood the misery of the weak and old people who were standing beside him throughout the journey. He realized that he will get back his strength after some days but those old people will never get back theirs. After recovering, he promptly gave up his seat for the weak and the aged in the bus or train. One should not feel proud of him and look down upon the weak.

3.       Why should one not call an old man “an old fool”?

J.C.Hill gives a beautiful illustration saying that supposing an old man is hesitating to cross the road when young cyclist is racing fast. The cyclist should not get irritated and call him an old fool. He should not scold him for walking slowly. The man may be weak and tired or he may not be able to see or listen well. In the past, he might have been a famous soldier in war or perhaps lost one leg. Someday the young cyclist may face a similar situation. How would he feel if some school boys made fun of him in his old age?

 4.  What odds did the parents and teachers face in their lives?

Hill wants all the young boys and girls to learn that they are all fragile little things in this dangerous world. We are staying on this planet only for a very short time. We will never see those who we live with again in our lives. During our short stay here, we should help the world as much as we can. So we should behave politely and try to please and help as many people as possible.

A child would not know about the sufferings of his parents, teachers or older people because they never disclose them. They might have experienced severe blows in life and may be very tired. But they never complain about them. Instead parents try to invest everything they have for the well being of their children. So children should make life easy for them. Good manners come from sympathy with others and from understanding our own limitations.

5.      What good manners should we follow when we are with friends?

While in company, we should be very careful in observing good manners. We should speak clearly and sufficiently loud for others to hear us. It is our duty to make ourselves understood.  We should not talk too much and should always give others a chance to speak. Good listeners get enough time to think so that when they speak, they can speak clearly.

When in a company, one must watch out for certain signs in order to be labeled as a well- mannered person. Some people are delighted to speak continuously wherever they are. They think that everyone is delighted by their company, but in fact everyone there would be exhausted and angry at their behaviour. Hence one should not do all the talking for himself; he should instead give equal opportunity to others to express their views and feelings. We should always give the other person a full and patient hearing. If they do not speak, it means that they do not want us to talk too.

Strange as it may seem, many times, what we speak will not be the truth. . If we speak of some subject, we should be aware of the fact that the listener might have a different idea about what we are talking.

 The well known American writer Thoreau once said that “It takes two to speak the truth – one to speak and another to hear”. Truth differs from person to person. Socialism might be the State control of commerce and industry to some, but to some others, it might be robbing the rich and serving the poor. What we think to be true needn't always be true. We should not assume that we alone know the whole truth as there is always a possibility that we are mistaken.

6.      It takes two to speak the truth one to speak and another to hear. Explain.

While in company, we should be very careful in observing good manners. We should speak clearly and sufficiently loud for others to hear us. It is our duty to make ourselves understood.  We should not talk too much and should always give others a chance to speak. Good listeners get enough time to think so that when they speak, they can speak clearly.

When in a company, one must watch out for certain signs in order to be labeled as a well- mannered person. Some people are delighted to speak continuously wherever they are. They think that everyone is delighted by their company, but in fact everyone there would be exhausted and angry at their behaviour. Hence one should not do all the talking for himself; he should instead give equal opportunity to others to express their views and feelings. We should always give the other person a full and patient hearing. If they do not speak, it means that they do not want us to talk too.

Strange as it may seem, many times, what we speak will not be the truth. . If we speak of some subject, we should be aware of the fact that the listener might have a different idea about what we are talking.

The well known American writer Thoreau once said that “It takes two to speak the truth – one to speak and another to hear”. Truth differs from person to person. Socialism might be the State control of commerce and industry to some, but to some others, it might be robbing the rich and serving the poor. What we think to be true needn't always be true. We should not assume that we alone know the whole truth as there is always a possibility that we are mistaken.

7.      What did Thoreau say about uttering the truth?

While in company, we should be very careful in observing good manners. We should speak clearly and sufficiently loud for others to hear us. It is our duty to make ourselves understood.  We should not talk too much and should always give others a chance to speak. Good listeners get enough time to think so that when they speak, they can speak clearly.

When in a company, one must watch out for certain signs in order to be labeled as a well- mannered person. Some people are delighted to speak continuously wherever they are. They think that everyone is delighted by their company, but in fact everyone there would be exhausted and angry at their behaviour. Hence one should not do all the talking for himself; he should instead give equal opportunity to others to express their views and feelings. We should always give the other person a full and patient hearing. If they do not speak, it means that they do not want us to talk too.

Strange as it may seem, many times, what we speak will not be the truth. . If we speak of some subject, we should be aware of the fact that the listener might have a different idea about what we are talking.

The well known American writer Thoreau once said that “It takes two to speak the truth – one to speak and another to hear”. Truth differs from person to person. Socialism might be the State control of commerce and industry to some, but to some others, it might be robbing the rich and serving the poor. What we think to be true needn't always be true. We should not assume that we alone know the whole truth as there is always a possibility that we are mistaken.

8.      How should one speak to others? why?

While in company, we should be very careful in observing good manners. We should speak clearly and sufficiently loud for others to hear us. It is our duty to make ourselves understood.  We should not talk too much and should always give others a chance to speak. Good listeners get enough time to think so that when they speak, they can speak clearly.

When in a company, one must watch out for certain signs in order to be labeled as a well- mannered person. Some people are delighted to speak continuously wherever they are. They think that everyone is delighted by their company, but in fact everyone there would be exhausted and angry at their behaviour. Hence one should not do all the talking for himself; he should instead give equal opportunity to others to express their views and feelings. We should always give the other person a full and patient hearing. If they do not speak, it means that they do not want us to talk too.

Strange as it may seem, many times, what we speak will not be the truth. . If we speak of some subject, we should be aware of the fact that the listener might have a different idea about what we are talking.

 The well known American writer Thoreau once said that “It takes two to speak the truth – one to speak and another to hear”. Truth differs from person to person. Socialism might be the State control of commerce and industry to some, but to some others, it might be robbing the rich and serving the poor. What we think to be true needn't always be true. We should not assume that we alone know the whole truth as there is always a possibility that we are mistaken.

9.      Why does one have to express truth differently to different people?

While in company, we should be very careful in observing good manners. We should speak clearly and sufficiently loud for others to hear us. It is our duty to make ourselves understood.  We should not talk too much and should always give others a chance to speak. Good listeners get enough time to think so that when they speak, they can speak clearly.

When in a company, one must watch out for certain signs in order to be labeled as a well- mannered person. Some people are delighted to speak continuously wherever they are. They think that everyone is delighted by their company, but in fact everyone there would be exhausted and angry at their behaviour. Hence one should not do all the talking for himself; he should instead give equal opportunity to others to express their views and feelings. We should always give the other person a full and patient hearing. If they do not speak, it means that they do not want us to talk too.

Strange as it may seem, many times, what we speak will not be the truth. . If we speak of some subject, we should be aware of the fact that the listener might have a different idea about what we are talking.

The well known American writer Thoreau once said that “It takes two to speak the truth – one to speak and another to hear”. Truth differs from person to person. Socialism might be the State control of commerce and industry to some, but to some others, it might be robbing the rich and serving the poor. What we think to be true needn't always be true. We should not assume that we alone know the whole truth as there is always a possibility that we are mistaken.

10.  What precautions should one take while speaking in company?

While in company, we should be very careful in observing good manners. We should speak clearly and sufficiently loud for others to hear us. It is our duty to make ourselves understood.  We should not talk too much and should always give others a chance to speak. Good listeners get enough time to think so that when they speak, they can speak clearly.

When in a company, one must watch out for certain signs in order to be labeled as a well- mannered person. Some people are delighted to speak continuously wherever they are. They think that everyone is delighted by their company, but in fact everyone there would be exhausted and angry at their behaviour. Hence one should not do all the talking for himself; he should instead give equal opportunity to others to express their views and feelings. We should always give the other person a full and patient hearing. If they do not speak, it means that they do not want us to talk too.

Strange as it may seem, many times, what we speak will not be the truth. . If we speak of some subject, we should be aware of the fact that the listener might have a different idea about what we are talking.

 The well known American writer Thoreau once said that “It takes two to speak the truth – one to speak and another to hear”. Truth differs from person to person. Socialism might be the State control of commerce and industry to some, but to some others, it might be robbing the rich and serving the poor. What we think to be true needn't always be true. We should not assume that we alone know the whole truth as there is always a possibility that we are mistaken.

11.  Why did the Boy Scout make a joke of the Lady’s question?

Hill remarks that we should train ourselves to remain calm even if some persons ask us annoying or irritating questions. This is especially crucial in dealing with elderly people. We should also not take remarks too literally. Instead we should look for the real meaning in the statements.

Once an old lady asked a little boy whether he was a Boy, Scout or not.  He was irritated as his uniform was enough to tell that he was a Boy Scout. He rudely answered that he was 'two eggs on toast'. Perhaps she only meant that he looked nice in his uniform and in fact there was really nothing silly in her remark. Such rude and impolite behaviour towards older people is incorrect.

Similarly, when a friend asks you, “You will not be going past the post office, will you?” he actually expects you to go a little out of your way to oblige him. Try to help him if possible.

12.  Why do some people take remarks too literally?

Hill remarks that we should train ourselves to remain calm even if some persons ask us annoying or irritating questions. This is especially crucial in dealing with elderly people. We should also not take remarks too literally. Instead we should look for the real meaning in the statements.

Once an old lady asked a little boy whether he was a Boy, Scout or not.  He was irritated as his uniform was enough to tell that he was a Boy Scout. He rudely answered that he was 'two eggs on toast'. Perhaps she only meant that he looked nice in his uniform and in fact there was really nothing silly in her remark. Such rude and impolite behaviour towards older people is incorrect.

Similarly, when a friend asks you, “You will not be going past the post office, will you?” he actually expects you to go a little out of your way to oblige him. Try to help him if possible.

13.  What signs should one watch out for in a company?

When in a company, one must watch out for certain signs in order to be labeled as a well-mannered person. Some people are delighted to speak continuously wherever they are. They think that everyone is delighted by their company, but in fact everyone there would be exhausted and angry at their behavior.

Hence one should not do all the talking for himself; he should instead give equal opportunity to others to express their views and feelings. We should always give the other person a full and patient hearing. If they do not speak, it means that they do not want us to talk too.

We should not say unpleasant things about someone behind his back. Such remarks will usually find its way to that person. Always adjust your remarks as there’s always a possibility that the very person would be overhearing you. Hence never gossip about other people.

14.  How could we save a lot of argument and anger?

J C Hill advises us to understand ourselves before teasing or talking ill about others. Many times we fail to understand our selves. There is always a possibility of us being mistaken.  People look at everything from their own perspective. J.C. Hill sites an example.

Some students were once shown a picture of a bull-fight and asked later to describe it from memory. One said, a bull's tongue was out. Actually the bull's mouth was closed, but because its head was turned to the side, its ear had looked like a tongue. So whenever we argue with somebody about a point, think that always there is always a chance of us going wrong.  Hence we should take care of what we argue and speak.

If we understand this truth, a lot of argument and anger could be avoided.

15.  Explain the writer’s remark: ‘No man really understands himself’.

J C Hill advises us to understand ourselves before teasing or talking ill about others. Many times we fail to understand our selves. There is always a possibility of us being mistaken.  People look at everything from their own perspective. J.C. Hill sites an example.

Some students were once shown a picture of a bull-fight and asked later to describe it from memory. One said, a bull's tongue was out. Actually the bull's mouth was closed, but because its head was turned to the side, its ear had looked like a tongue. So whenever we argue with somebody about a point, think that always there is always a chance of us going wrong.  Hence we should take care of what we argue and speak.

If we understand this truth, a lot of argument and anger could be avoided.

16.  Where do good manners ultimately come from?

Good manners come from having sympathy with others and from understanding our own limitations. We should realize that our version of truth is always a part of the larger truth. We should realize that we are unimportant little people on this earth who are going to pass this earth only once. Hence we must give up pride and learn to be humble. We should attempt to assist the world as much as we can in the short time that we are going to spend here.

17.  Bring out the significance of good manners in life according to the author.

J. C. Hill’s “Good Manners” is an adaptation from his famous book “An Introduction to Citizenship”. In his essay “Good Manners”, the famous British writer John C. Hill stresses on the importance of thoughtfulness and courtesy towards common people. Human life on this planet is not permanent. Hence one must try, as far as possible, to behave politely and to help others.

Good manners are based on having sympathy for others and acknowledging one’s own limitations. We should strive to maintain cordial relations among one another. Hill’s begins the essay with a story of a young man and points out that one should not feel proud of oneself and look down upon the weak.