Expansion of an Idea: Manners Maketh a Man
God created man in(to) his own image. But all human beings are not human beings, There is something we call social ethics. How to live in society amongst our fellow beings, particularly in our society’, is an art learnt by practice. Manners are at the root of a good and refined social behaviour. It is not learning that makes one a good social being, it is education that make the complete man.
A learned man is not necessarily an educational man. Education implies nobility, humility and Good manners mean good social being.
There is a story of Diogenes who was know for his canine (doggist) temperament. Oneday Alexander the Great went to see him because he wanted his advice on some urgent matter. The philosopher, a great learned man was sitting in a tub of water basking in the sun. When the Emperor had stood there for quite a long time, the Emperer said can I do anything tor you sir”. The philosopher after a pause said, “get away and don’t obstruct the light ot the sun” again he was silent.
From this we can guess that Diogenes was not a cultured person in spite of all his learning.
Manners in a man to be cultured, polite, tolerating and mannerly letters need to be added to man to make a complete man-manners.
Edited by: Brajabandhu Mahanta
Source: OPSC Compulsory Papers (Rainbow Publication)
