Civility and politeness have a distinct difference: while politeness is about manners and external behavior, civility is a deeper disposition of the heart that sees others as moral equals. Sometimes, showing true respect means breaking the rules of politeness, such as by telling someone a hard truth or engaging in robust debate.
When Alexandra Hudson arrived in Washington, DC, she discovered that outward behavior is not always a reflection of a person's character. Her disillusionment led to an in-depth exploration of the historical concept and practice of civility, along with a newfound appreciation for not only empathy, but also debate and disagreement in a healthy society. Listen as she and EconTalk's Russ Roberts discuss her book The Soul of Civility, a call for less superficial politeness and more genuine respect for and consideration toward others in the social, cultural, and political spheres. They also discuss the power of social norms and how they can promote human flourishing.