Manners Maketh a Man — Discursive Essay

“A gentleman by gentle deeds is known, for a man by nothing is more betrayed, as by his manners,” said Edmund Spencer. Manners not only constitute outward behaviour, but also construe good conduct and morality. Thus it would be wrong to assume that good manners comprise only table manners, social etiquettes, and salutations. Education and family environment also plays an important role in imparting good moral values, which lead to good character.

A person may be handsome or beautiful, but he/she becomes attractive, pleasant, and appealing only by having pleasing manners. We are not born with it but have to cultivate it at home and at school. A child, lacking in etiquettes like talking, greeting, or carrying himself/herself would grow up to be an uncouth and disgusting person.

It is because of this parents inculcate good values in children. The family environment and peer group plays an important role in its development. People with disturbed childhood are often found wanting in good personality traits. We have before us the example of Hitler, who because of his bad experience with Jews in childhood became a tyrant. Most hardened criminal’s childhood is also unhappy and sad. They may adorn themselves with the most expensive dresses, but their mannerism and actions, betray them for what they really are.

Good and wholesome education is also an essential prerequisite. It enables one to differentiate between good or bad, noble or evil. It helps in imbibing good habits and noble virtues like honesty, truthfulness, compassion, etc. and shun bad habits and vices. A person without these qualities of head and heart, is but a savage.

The society expects all its members to be civilised. A civilised person would show concern and consideration for others. He/she would be patient while listening to others’ problems, be diplomatic in speaking, so as not to hurt other’s feeling. He/she would respect elders and guide and motivate youngsters. Such a person would be an asset to the society, while an unmannerly person would be highly undesirable for there can never be an excuse to justify such behaviour coming from a person of any age.

It is therefore important to learn good manners and make it a part of our personality. Thus it moulds our character and makes one a respectable person. People endowed with it are popular and acceptable to the society, while ill-mannered persons are looked upon with disdain and at best avoided.

Undoubtedly good manners are the ornaments that make a woman a lady and a man a gentleman. It plays an important role in our lives, without which we can never be, a respectable person in the true sense.