by Mark Meurer
I subscribe to several blogs. One of the blogs, The Art of MANLINESS, always has some great wisdom. This issue discussed proper conversation rules of 1875. These conversation rules are a wonderful way to maintain dignity in conversation today. Together, we can read these and all learn from them.
Here are a few… (To View the entire List – Click Here)
#1. Even if convinced that your opponent is utterly wrong, yield gracefully, decline further discussion, or dexterously turn the conversation, but do not obstinately defend your own opinion until you become angry…Many there are who, giving their opinion, not as an opinion but as a law, will defend their position by such phrases, as: “Well, if I were president, or governor, I would,” — and while by the warmth of their argument they prove that they are utterly unable to govern their own temper, they will endeavor to persuade you that they are perfectly competent to take charge of the government of the nation.
#7. In a dispute, if you cannot reconcile the parties, withdraw from them. You will surely make one enemy, perhaps two, by taking either side, in an argument when the speakers have lost their temper.
#21. Never notice it if others make mistakes in language. To notice by word or look such errors in those around you is excessively ill-bred.
The excerpt comes from a book published in 1875: A Gentleman’s Guide to Etiquette by Cecil B. Hartley.
