Every day, we interact with others, whether at home, work, or in public spaces. These interactions can either create harmony or lead to unnecessary conflicts. One key factor that determines the quality of our relationships is politeness—a virtue that is often overlooked but has a profound impact on our lives.
What Comes Out of Us Matters
If we reflect deeply, we’ll notice that everything that physically comes out of a human body—whether sweat, waste, or other impurities—has no benefit to the world. It’s something we manage, clean, and dispose of.
Similarly, what comes out in our speech and actions should also be handled with care. If a person lacks basic politeness—speaking harshly, behaving rudely, or disregarding social etiquette—then they become a form of social pollution, disrupting the harmony of those around them.
Understanding Politeness
Politeness is not just about saying “please” and “thank you.” It is about being mindful of how we present ourselves and interact with others. It involves three key aspects:
1. Politeness in Behavior
Our physical gestures and movements should be composed and orderly. Uncontrolled or aggressive body language can irritate others and even provoke unnecessary conflict.
2. Politeness in Speech
Words have power. Speaking mindfully—choosing words that are truthful, kind, and appropriate for the situation—helps maintain good relationships. Thoughtless or harsh words, on the other hand, can easily ruin the atmosphere and create tension.
3. Politeness in Appearance
Dressing appropriately shows respect for oneself and others. Clothes should be neat, modest, and suitable for the occasion, helping prevent discomfort or distraction in social settings.
The Benefits of Politeness
Practicing politeness brings several advantages, such as:
✔️ Maintaining dignity and self-respect
✔️ Preventing unnecessary conflicts
✔️ Promoting harmony in relationships
✔️ Fostering a peaceful and respectful society
Why Is Politeness Declining?
In modern society, people often prioritize convenience over courtesy. Many conflicts arise because individuals fail to regulate their words, gestures, and emotions. Simple things—such as walking aggressively, interrupting conversations, or disregarding social cues—can trigger misunderstandings and escalate into bigger problems.
It’s ironic that we tend to be more polite with strangers than with those closest to us. In reality, the people we spend the most time with—family, friends, colleagues—deserve just as much, if not more, respect and consideration.
The Root of Impoliteness
Impoliteness often stems from an unorganized mind. If we cannot maintain cleanliness and order in our surroundings, how can we expect to organize our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors? A restless mind, clouded by greed, anger, or delusion, often manifests as impolite actions:
➡️ Greed – Leads to inconsiderate behavior, such as taking more than one’s share, speaking out of selfishness, or being overly demanding.
➡️ Anger – Results in aggressive actions, such as shouting, slamming doors, or using offensive language.
➡️ Delusion – Causes obliviousness to social norms, such as inappropriate dressing, disruptive behavior, or careless speech.
Aside from that, we’ll also talk about the influence of the people we surround ourselves with, including how we consume social media. If we spend time with people who have bad habits, use rude language, or behave poorly—or if we follow influencers who set a bad example—we may unconsciously pick up those negative traits as well.
How to Cultivate Politeness
If you want to be a more polite and pleasant person, start with these simple steps:
✅ Practice Mindfulness – Stay aware of your thoughts, words, and actions. If you feel irritation or anger arising, take a moment to breathe and respond mindfully rather than reacting impulsively.
✅ Organize Your Environment – Keep your home and workspace clean and orderly. A well-structured environment leads to a more disciplined and thoughtful mind.
✅ Be Open to Feedback – Sometimes, we are unaware of our own impoliteness. Listen to constructive criticism and be willing to improve.
✅ Treat Loved Ones with Respect – Show the same level of courtesy to family and friends as you would to strangers. Good relationships are built on mutual respect and consideration.
A Call to Action: Creating a More Polite Society
Politeness is not just an individual trait—it influences the collective atmosphere of homes, workplaces, and communities. If we all practice politeness, we create a world where people feel respected, understood, and at peace.
At our meditation center, we emphasize the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness, which naturally lead to politeness and inner peace. If you’re interested in deepening your self-awareness and cultivating a more harmonious way of living, consider joining our meditation sessions.
Final Thoughts
A polite and mindful person is someone who brings warmth and harmony wherever they go. By making politeness a daily practice, we not only improve our own lives but also contribute to a kinder, more peaceful world.
Let’s start with ourselves—because World Peace begins with Inner Peace.
Join Our Meditation Classes
If you’d like to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace, consider attending our meditation sessions. Everyone is welcome!
