Etiquette-fulness and
Peace in the World

With recent events in the world, onlookers have been horrified. Whatever can anyone do? I was in the grocery store and a person selling local newspapers was crying--deeply saddened over what was happening in the Middle East and that there was nothing he or anyone could do.

He is correct in the major sense. But as I was passing him, in the background of my mind, a song was singing, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” I sang it to myself as I completed my errands throughout the morning. What beautiful advice! Are there connections between peace and etiquette?

The wish for peace in the world is a promotion of harmony among people. It takes respect, understanding of other people and their views in all settings. Etiquette is also about peaceful and harmonious relationships in all situations. It means acting with civility everywhere we go.

Compromise and cooperation foster healthy relationships and etiquette-ful behavior helps us stay alert to the fact that we are not the only people in the world. With a goal of treating others with kindness and compassion, we encourage open communication, and we are a part of creating positivity and inclusiveness.

Our good manners and respectful interactions contribute to the overall sociality with others. When we greet one another, express gratitude, use polite language, we are participants in the greater good of promoting understanding and minimizing misunderstanding that can lead to conflict.

Though it’s not always possible to intercede when others impose disharmony, our own intentions of wanting to be the change we wish to see in the world can bring harmony in the smaller world of family, friends, community, and professional associations. We must exercise compassion, even as we view less compassionate acts of others.

“World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just mere absence of violence. Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human compassion.”
~ Dalai Lama XIV