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The Art of Manliness

Beyond Mere Politeness — The Art of True Civility

Oct 11, 2023
Alexandra Hudson, author of "The Soul of Civility," dives into the essential contrast between civility and mere politeness. She argues that true civility often requires uncomfortable honesty and genuine dialogue over surface-level etiquette. Exploring historical examples and the interplay of civility with democracy, Hudson emphasizes the importance of self-control and personal responsibility in fostering respectful communities. She also highlights how kind-hearted gestures create positive ripple effects, redefining our interpersonal interactions.
55:57

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Civility requires being impolite at times to uphold values, tell hard truths, and engage in robust debate.
  • Reviving the ancient art of hospitality promotes civility by treating strangers with respect, kindness, and generosity.

Deep dives

The Difference between Politeness and Civility

Civility is more than just politeness. It is an internal disposition that requires respecting others as moral equals. Sometimes being civil means being impolite, such as telling hard truths or engaging in robust debate.

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