On the Virtue of Courtesy

1. See all living things as deserving of being treated with respect, dignity and courtesy.

2. Treat people with generosity and courtesy— not because they deserve it-- but because that is how your character demands that you behave.  Your judgement of what others deserve based on your limited view has nothing to do with it.

3. Be generous in your own actions, and in the interpretation of the actions of others, but never give yourself the benefit of the doubt.

4. Defaming the honor or actions of another speaks more about your character than theirs.

5. The true test of courtesy comes in the face of discourtesy.  Thoughtless reaction to discourtesy, real or perceived, is the greatest threat to courtesy.