The Club of Civility: A Lesson from the Past

Dear friends, I’d like to share a tale from my youth, a story that has shaped my understanding of civility and its importance in our lives. This story revolves around the time I started a club, an experience that taught me the true essence of respect, kindness, and mutual understanding.

Setting the Stage

It was the summer of ’65. I was a sprightly lad of 15, full of energy and ideas. One such idea was to start a club – a place where my friends and I could gather, share ideas, and learn from each other. Little did I know, this club would become a crucible for learning the importance of civility.

The Birth of the Club

With a twinkle in our eyes and a spring in our steps, we set about creating our club. We called it The Round Table, inspired by the legendary King Arthur’s fellowship. Our aim was to create a space where everyone was equal, where every voice mattered.

The Lesson of Civility

As the club grew, so did the diversity of its members. We had folks from different backgrounds, with different perspectives. At times, this led to heated debates. It was during one such debate that I learned the true meaning of civility.

Two of our members, John and Sam, were engaged in a fierce argument. The topic was trivial, but the tension was palpable. Voices were raised, tempers flared, and respect was forgotten. It was then that I realized – our club was no longer a round table. It had become a battleground.

That’s when I decided to intervene. I reminded John and Sam about the purpose of our club – to learn from each other, not to win arguments. I urged them to treat each other with respect, to listen before speaking, and to disagree without being disagreeable. This, I explained, was the essence of civility.

The Aftermath

John and Sam took my words to heart. They apologized to each other and promised to uphold the values of our club. From that day forward, The Round Table became a beacon of civility. We learned to disagree without disrespect, to listen without interrupting, and to treat each other with kindness and respect.

Conclusion

My friends, the lesson I learned that day has stayed with me throughout my life. Civility is not just about being polite. It’s about respecting others, listening to their views, and treating them with kindness. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels valued and heard.

So, let’s strive to be civil, not just in our clubs or groups, but in all aspects of our lives. Remember, a little civility goes a long way in making our world a better place.

Until next time,

Kev