On Saying please

Alfred George Gardiner (2 June 1865 – 3 March 1946) was an English journalist, editor and author. His
essays, written under the alias "Alpha of the Plough", are highly regarded. He was also Chairman of the
National Anti-Sweating League, an advocacy group which campaigned for a minimum wage in industry.

A.G. Gardner’s essay "On Saying Please", deals with the importance of the expressions ‘Please', or thank
you', in daily social life. It settles many bitter arguments and softens harsh tempers. In this essay the
writer talks about the value of good manner in the society. To strengthen his views A.G. Gardner gives
example from his own experience. Once, a lift man throws a passenger out of the lift because the
passenger did not say "Top please". This act of the lift man is wrong because one cannot punish
impoliteness with physical violence. Hence the action of the lift man is not legally justified.

Impoliteness is not a legal offence and it cannot be treated by violence. If that can be done, the city will
run with blood all day due to violence. Though, incivility and impoliteness are not legally wrong, they are
extremely dangerous and it will affect the course of life. Bad manners are like infections. They actually
do more damage to the general life than all crime in the world. The pain caused by bodily injuries passes
away soon, but the wound caused by bad manners remains even green. Bad manners make life hellish
where as good manner make life happy and cheerful. Therefore one should use good manners and
politeness in social behaviour. The first requirement of good manners is that when one requires a
service he/she should say 'Please’. When the service is made, one should gratefully say `thank you'.
'Please and 'thank you' are the courtesies by which humans can keep the machine of life oiled and
graceful. These courtesies make life happy.

The writer narrates another personal incident. One day the writer boarded a bus. He felt that he had no
money in his pocket. The conductor did not insult him but, recognizing him a gentleman, issued him a
ticket. The writer found some money in his pocket and paid the fare. He was much impresses by the
courtesy and politeness of this conductor. A few days later the same bus conductor trawled the writer's
toe. He felt pain but the manner of the bus conductor was so pleasing that he forgot it. The writer
recognised that the conductor was a model of good manners. He had a knack of making his passengers
comfortable. He was extremely kind and considerate. With old people he was as considerate as a son,
and with children as caring as a father. He created an atmosphere of good temper and kindliness. Hence
a journey with him was a lesson in natural courtesy and good manners. He got through his work with
ease and courtesy to others.

The writer says that war has badly affected our manner. War has made people uncivil and boorish. He
advises to restore good manners to make life a happy one. One should teach moral lesson to those who
are guilty of bad manners. In this connection people should follow the example of Lord Chesterfield.
During that time London streets were without pavement. Once, Lord Chesterfield met a person in the
way who said. "I never give the wall to a scoundrel". But Lord Chesterfield replied, "I always do". This
victory of Lord Chesterfield was more lasting. He concludes the essay by stating that the lift man also
might have followed the foot of Lord Chesterfield instead of punishing the man.