ON SAYING PLEASE
A.G. GARDINER
Summary
On Saying Please by A.G. Gardiner is an essay that talks about the
importance of politeness and good manners in everyday life. Gardiner believes
that politeness is a simple yet powerful way to create a positive environment.
He explains that while laws control people's actions, politeness controls their
attitudes and behavior.
Gardiner uses examples to show how politeness works.
He shares a story about a rude passenger who does not say "please"
when asking the liftman for a floor. The liftman, feeling insulted, throws the
passenger out of the lift. The law punishes the liftman for this physical act,
but it cannot punish the passenger for being rude. Gardiner explains that while
rudeness is unpleasant, it is not illegal. This example shows that the law can
control physical actions, but it cannot make people polite.
Gardiner also talks about a bus conductor who is
always cheerful, polite, and patient. Even when passengers are rude or
impatient, the conductor remains kind and respectful. His polite behavior
spreads positivity and makes others feel better. Gardiner believes that
politeness has more power to create harmony than any strict rule or law.
The main message of the essay is that politeness is
not just about using good words like "please" and "thank
you." It is about respecting others, understanding their feelings, and
spreading kindness. Politeness cannot be forced, but it can make a big
difference in our lives. When people are polite, it reduces conflicts, builds
trust, and creates a more peaceful society.
Gardiner’s essay teaches us that while rules and laws
are necessary, politeness is equally important. It is a choice we make every
day to show respect and kindness. If everyone practiced politeness, the world
would be a more pleasant and harmonious place.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
I. Answer the following questions in a sentence or
two:
1. Who wrote the essay On Saying Please?
Ans: The essay On
Saying Please was written by A.G. Gardiner.
2. What is the central theme of the essay?
Ans: The central theme of the essay is the importance
of politeness, good manners, and courteous behavior in maintaining harmony in
society.
3. What phrase does Gardiner use to represent good
manners?
Ans: Gardiner uses the phrase "Saying
Please" to represent politeness and good manners.
4. What example does Gardiner give to illustrate
rudeness?
Ans: Gardiner gives the example of a liftman who
rudely throws out a passenger for not saying "please" when asking for
a floor.
5. What does Gardiner say cannot be enforced by law?
Ans: Gardiner says that politeness, kindness, and good
manners cannot be enforced by law.
6. What does Gardiner suggest is more powerful than
legal enforcement?
Ans: Gardiner suggests that moral values, good manners, and the power of
kindness are more effective than legal enforcement.
7. According to Gardiner, how does politeness affect
social harmony?
Ans: According to Gardiner, politeness helps reduce conflicts, creates
understanding among people, and maintains social harmony.
8. What term does Gardiner use to describe actions
that are morally right but not legally enforceable?
Ans: Gardiner uses the term "unwritten law"
to describe actions that are morally right but cannot be legally enforced.
9. What example of good manners does Gardiner give in
the essay?
Ans: Gardiner gives the example of a bus conductor who remains polite and kind
to passengers, even when they are rude, showing the power of good manners.
10. What lesson does Gardiner want readers to take
from the essay?
Ans: Gardiner wants readers to understand the value of politeness and good
manners, which can positively impact others and create a more pleasant society.
II. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING
QUESTIONS
1. Discuss the role of
politeness in maintaining social harmony, using examples from A.G. Gardiner’s
essay on saying please to highlight how good manners can positively impact
society.
Ans:Politeness plays a crucial role in maintaining social
harmony. It helps people interact peacefully, reduces conflicts, and creates a
positive environment. In A.G. Gardiner's essay On Saying Please, the author explains how good manners and
politeness can make a big difference in our daily lives. He uses simple
examples to show the power of kindness and courtesy.
Gardiner shares the story of a liftman who rudely
throws a passenger out of the lift for not saying "please." The
liftman feels insulted, but his action does not help. Instead, it creates more
negativity. Gardiner points out that while the passenger's behavior was rude,
it was not illegal. The law can punish physical violence, but it cannot control
someone's lack of politeness. This example shows that while the law maintains
order, politeness maintains peace.
Another example Gardiner gives is of a bus conductor
who is always polite, cheerful, and kind, even when passengers are rude or
impatient. Instead of reacting angrily, the conductor remains calm and
understanding. His politeness spreads positivity and makes people respect him.
Gardiner believes that this kind of polite behavior can be more effective than
any law in reducing anger and frustration.
Politeness also creates a sense of respect and
understanding. When people use polite words like "please,"
"thank you," and "sorry," it shows they care about others'
feelings. It helps build trust and strong relationships. A small act of
politeness can brighten someone's day, reduce misunderstandings, and create a
more harmonious society.
Gardiner's essay teaches us that politeness is not
just a matter of good manners; it is a way to make society more peaceful and
pleasant. By practicing politeness in our daily lives, we can positively impact
others and create a better environment for everyone.
2. Analyze the
distinction between legal obligations and moral obligations in A.G. Gardiner’s
essay. How does Gardiner suggest we can create a better society through simple
acts of politeness?
Ans:In A.G. Gardiner's essay On Saying Please, the author explores the difference between
legal obligations and moral obligations. Legal obligations are the rules set by
law. If someone breaks these rules, they can be punished. For example, if a
person hits another person, they can be punished by the law because physical
violence is illegal. However, moral obligations are different. They are based
on what is right and wrong according to society's values. These cannot be
enforced by law, but they are important for maintaining harmony and kindness.
Gardiner explains this difference using the example of
a rude passenger and a liftman. The passenger does not say "please"
when asking for a floor. This behavior is impolite, but it is not against the
law. The liftman, feeling insulted, throws the passenger out of the lift. The
law punishes the liftman for physical violence, but it cannot punish the
passenger for being rude. This shows that while the law can control actions, it
cannot control attitudes.
Gardiner suggests that society can be improved through
simple acts of politeness. He talks about a bus conductor who is kind,
cheerful, and polite to passengers, even when they are rude. The conductor's
behavior spreads positivity and reduces anger. Gardiner believes that
politeness has the power to change people's moods and attitudes. A kind word, a
smile, or a respectful gesture can create understanding and make the world a
better place.
By following moral obligations like kindness, respect,
and politeness, we can build stronger relationships and reduce conflicts.
Gardiner teaches us that while laws maintain order, it is politeness and good
manners that create true social harmony. Simple acts of politeness may seem
small, but they can have a big impact on making society more peaceful and
pleasant.
3. Evaluate A.G.
Gardiner’s view on the power of saying “please” in everyday interactions. Do
you agree with his assertion that politeness is a moral obligation? Justify
your answer.
Ans:In A.G. Gardiner's essay On Saying Please, he explains the power of saying
"please" and the impact of politeness in everyday interactions.
According to Gardiner, politeness is a small but powerful act that can make a
big difference in people's lives. He believes that saying "please" is
more than just a polite phrase — it is a sign of respect and kindness toward
others.
Gardiner shares examples to show how politeness can
create a positive atmosphere. He talks about a rude passenger who does not say
"please" to the liftman. Even though the passenger's behavior is
impolite, it is not illegal. The liftman reacts angrily by throwing the
passenger out, but this action creates more negativity. Gardiner suggests that
a simple "please" could have avoided this conflict and kept the
peace.
He also shares the example of a kind and polite bus
conductor who treats everyone with respect, even if they are rude to him. This
shows how politeness can change people's moods and create a better environment.
Gardiner believes that while laws control actions, politeness controls
attitudes.
I agree with Gardiner's view that politeness is a
moral obligation. It is not something we are forced to do, but it is something
we should choose to do to make society better. When we say "please,"
"thank you," or "sorry," we show that we care about others'
feelings. These small acts of kindness can reduce conflicts, build respect, and
create harmony.
Politeness does not cost anything, but it has great
value. If everyone practiced politeness, there would be more understanding and
less negativity in the world. Gardiner's message reminds us that while the law
maintains order, politeness maintains peace. Choosing to be polite is choosing
to be kind, and that choice can make a positive difference.
TOPICS FOR ASSIGNMENT
1. Analyze how the essay
emphasizes of politeness in creating smooth and respectful social interactions.
Discuss how everyday acts of courtesy can contribute to a more harmonious
society.
Ans: A.G. Gardiner's essay On Saying Please shows the importance of politeness in creating
smooth and respectful social interactions. According to Gardiner, politeness is
a simple but powerful way to make everyday life more pleasant. It helps people
connect peacefully, reduces misunderstandings, and builds respect among
individuals.
Gardiner uses examples to highlight the power of
politeness. One example is of a rude passenger who does not say
"please" to a liftman. The passenger's behavior is disrespectful, but
it is not against the law. The liftman, feeling insulted, throws the passenger
out of the lift. Gardiner explains that while the law can punish physical
actions, it cannot control rudeness or impolite behavior. This shows that
politeness cannot be enforced by law, but it is still important for social
harmony.
Gardiner also shares the example of a bus conductor
who is always polite and cheerful, even when passengers are rude or impatient.
His kindness spreads positivity and makes the atmosphere more pleasant. Instead
of reacting with anger, the conductor uses politeness to maintain peace.
Gardiner suggests that these everyday acts of courtesy have a greater impact
than strict rules or punishments.
Everyday acts of politeness like saying
"please," "thank you," and "sorry" can make a big
difference. These simple words show respect, care, and understanding. When
people use polite language, they create a sense of trust and friendliness.
Politeness helps avoid conflicts, reduces misunderstandings, and makes
communication smoother.
Gardiner's essay teaches us that politeness is not
just about manners; it is a way to build a better society. If everyone
practiced politeness, there would be more kindness and less negativity. By
being polite, we can make others feel valued, respected, and understood. In
this way, everyday acts of courtesy can create a more peaceful and harmonious
society.
2. Explore A.G.
Gardiner’s perspective on the ethical role of politeness. Discuss whether good
manners should be viewed as a moral obligation in contemporary society, and how
they influence personal and professional relationships.
Ans:In On Saying
Please, A.G. Gardiner explores the idea that politeness is more than
just a social custom; it is an ethical responsibility. According to Gardiner,
good manners help create a positive atmosphere and show respect for others. He
believes that while laws control behavior, politeness controls attitudes and
emotions. Politeness cannot be enforced by the law, but it has the power to
make life smoother and more pleasant.
Gardiner uses examples to explain his view. He
describes a situation where a rude passenger does not say "please" to
a liftman. Although the passenger’s behavior is disrespectful, it is not
illegal. The liftman angrily throws the passenger out, and this action is
punished by the law. Gardiner shows that while the law can stop physical
violence, it cannot control impoliteness. This is where moral responsibility
comes in. By choosing to be polite, we choose to care about others’ feelings
and maintain harmony.
In today’s society, politeness can be seen as a moral
obligation. Good manners show empathy, respect, and understanding. In personal
relationships, politeness builds trust, strengthens bonds, and prevents
conflicts. A simple "please" or "thank you" can make others
feel valued. In professional relationships, politeness can create a positive
work environment, improve teamwork, and help resolve disagreements peacefully.
When people feel respected, they are more likely to cooperate and communicate
openly.
However, many people today overlook politeness,
considering it old-fashioned or unnecessary. Yet, Gardiner’s perspective
reminds us that politeness is not just a tradition — it is a choice to treat
others kindly. Good manners should still be viewed as a moral duty because they
contribute to a respectful and understanding society. By practicing politeness,
we not only make others' lives better but also create a more positive
environment for ourselves.
Comprehension Questions
Answer the following questions.
1) Why did the lift-man throw the passenger
out of the life?
Ans: The passenger did not say “Top Please” to the lift man.
So, the passenger was thrown out of the lift.
2) What can the law not compel us to do?
Ans: The law cannot compel us to say ‘please’.
3) What is the most important requirement of
civility?
Ans: We should concede a service is the first requirement of
civility.
4) Who had trampled on the author’s toe?
Ans: The conductor had trampled on the author’s sensitive toe.
5) Why was fine whether on the polite
conductor’s bus always?
Ans: Politeness of conductor, civility, generosity and soft
words used by conductor had attracted his passengers. So there was a fine
weather on the polite conductor’s bus always.
6) How civilities can get back every day?
Ans: Civilities can get back every day by being more civil.
7) How does bad tamper affect one’s life?
Ans: Bad temper also affect
one’s life, when a person exhibits temper then it would disturb him as well as
to person whom he argue. Bad temper is equal venomous snake, as venom kill
human same way temper would kill one’s humanity and personality. When someone
gets affronted then he would spoil name and fame of the person who affronted
him and it would affect overall on his behavior. It is very difficult control
bad temper but if it is controlled then nothing goes wrong.
8) What is natural courtesy?
Ans: Natural
courtesy is to exhibit polite attitude and decent manners towards others.
Similarly being courteous with others, you can expect the same behaviour from
others, do respect and have respect.
Answer the following questions.
1) Narrate the episode of the bus conductor
and Gardiner as mentioned in the essay.
Ans: The
author boarded a bus and when conductor asked him take a ticket, at that author
found that he forgot to bring money, he asked conductor let him go down but the
conductor issued him ticket and said him to be relaxed. The author surprised,
he asked the conductor when to repay it back to him, then he said that he would
meet him on some other day on that route. Politeness of conductor, civility,
generosity and soft words used by conductor had attracted his passengers. So
there was a fine weather on the polite conductor’s bus always. The conductor
showed his civil behavior in every instance, when he had trampled author’s toe
that moment he apologized in a polite manner. Even he asked driver to wait
until he crossed the road to a blind man. The conductor was man of generosity;
his behavior attracted everyone as nectar attracts bees.
2) How does Gardiner use everyday incidents
to illuminate his particular concerns?
Ans: Gardiner uses everyday incidents to illuminate
his particular concerns by reporting of a chance bit of discussion overhead, a
little incident either experienced or read about or something almost identical
Gardiner continues onward to a more huge, however maybe broad, matters
identified with it. For instance, in this article, while remarking on the
suitability or in any case of the liftman's activity, Gardiner continues ahead
to an intensive conversation on politeness and courtesy
3) Gardiner suggests that if rudeness were to
be replied to with excessive politeness, sweet revenge might be had while
retaining ones moral superiority. Discuss.
Ans: Too
much sweet is too bad to health. Similarly when a person has good manners then
he should also be aware of bad manners too. Our behavior is mirror for other to
retort back in same manner. What others think about us, what would they exhibit
or utter about us, such things should not be given more important, good
mannered person would ignore everything and thinks on brighter side. Good
mannered person would be more optimistic rather than others. People would
revolve around such persons who have good manners.
4) What are Gardiner’s views on the role of
law in enforcing polite behaviour?
Ans: Law
cannot enforce civility. When there would be corporal brutality then law can be
enforced. Law can be enforced in unambiguous occasion of contravention of
individual constitutional rights. The law cannot compel anyone to say “Please
or thank you” and it is not enforced to do so. No laws compel to hurt or
misbehave with anyone; there is no law compensation of ethical and cerebral
damage. The law cannot befall the custodian of our personal etiquette.
5) Why does Gardiner say, “Bad manners
probably do more to poison the stream of general life than all the crimes in
the calendar”?
Ans: Bad
temper also affect one’s life, when a person exhibits temper then it would
disturb him as well as to person whom he argue. Bad temper is equal venomous
snake, as venom kill human same way temper would kill one’s humanity and
personality. When someone gets affronted then he would spoil name and fame of
the person who affronted him and it would affect overall on his behavior. It is
very difficult control bad temper but if it is controlled then nothing goes
wrong.
6) Distinguish between a legal and a moral
offence.
Ans: Any
offence contradicting or breaking the law is referred to as a legal offence. The
following are the examples for legal offence assault and battery, burglary,
violence etc. Similarly morals are the principles of every individual. They
help in distinguishing between right and wrong. Thus, the offences
discriminating the morals are referred to as moral offences, for example
discourtesy, haughtiness, rude behaviour, bad manners etc.
7) How could the lift-man
take a polite and effective revenge? Suggest a way to do so.
Ans: The lift-man could have taken a polite and
effective revenge rather than throwing him out of lift, he would have treated
politely with him. Every human would have value when he exhibits good manners
and exhibiting bad manners is not an offence but everyone dislikes that person.
No law encourages taking path for offence. When some sort of punishment is
designed then no one would take law in hands. Bad manners would motivate an
individual to misbehave with others but its left every individual how to
response back from everyone. In the same way lift man would have asked politely
and there no compulsion to please or thank you by someone.
