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Time Enough For Courtesy

       Life is short, but there is always time enough for courtesy.
                                                 ~   Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emerson wrote these words in the nineteenth century, more than 130 years ago.  It was well before the time of e-mail and texts and instant messages.  At that time, even the telephone was still something of a curiosity.  Yet, when I came across this quote recently, I was struck by how it is as relevant today as it was during Emerson’s lifetime.

Thanks to technology, people all over the world can communicate with one another.  All it takes is a few seconds.  Technology has totally revolutionized the way business is done and the way our lives are lived.  But, all of this convenience has also made it easier to be ignored.

What is it about our day-to-day lives that seems to have made courtesy a disappearing art?  Yes, most people lead full, often hectic lives.  But, that is nothing new.  Nor is it an excuse to ignore others.  Whether it is as simple as a friendly note or as important as a job application, it deserves a response.  Their lives are equally as busy and equally as hectic.

Not responding to another person is disrespectful.  It shows a lack of concern for their time and for their lives.  Worst of all, it leaves them guessing.  Was the e-mail received?  Was the application considered?  Or did it get lost?

Yes, technology seems to have made it easier to remain silent.  But, it does not have to be that way.  Emails can be acknowledged.  Texts can be returned.  All it takes is a few seconds.

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