Re-posted: How Would You Make the World More Civil?

In 2008, John Sweeney and the employees of the Brave New Workshop theatre wrote Return to Civility: A Speed of Laughter Project out of a desire to positively impact as many people as we mildly offend with our social and political satire. Whether in all seriousness or in laughter, we hope you will join us in helping to increase the civility of our world.

Update on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at 12:25PM by Civil Thoughts

The little book that could has gained some recent momentum on Amazon. Go figure, perhaps we're all looking for a bit more civility in our lives!  How do you suggest we do that?

Comments

[Brian Wagner]

As I read the great book, a few more came to mind...
+When someone comes to the door asking for donations (especially a kid), give at least a dollar. They are likely a volunteer, doing good and giving back!
+When somebody asks, "did you hear the one about..." - pretend you've never heard it before, let them finish and have a good laugh with them.
+Mentor somebody - we all have something uniques to share with each other that can make the other person better in some way
+Split responsibilites 100%:100% - my college room mate suggested this when we first met - we spent 4 years together, were in each others weddings, and are friends still 25+ years later (hmmm...that's better than most marriages)
+When things aren't going as you planned or expected - go with it, you may be part of a bigger, better plan!
+Live every day with Joy and gratitude - spread joy, see joy in others and be grateful, even if for just one small thing that seems to be going well.

[Jody]

If you are a party of one or two at a coffee shop, deli, casual resturaunt, etc. - find a table for two - don't sit at a table for 5 or more! If all the small tables have been already taken, offer to share the table with other parties looking to sit! I was at the Black Dog coffee shop on Sunday. We were a party of 6 adults and 2 children spending Mother's Day together at St. Paul Farmer's Market. We walked in door and immediately to right is a long table designated for 10 or more. There was a guy and a tween sitting at that table drawing cartoons with their stuff spread out. There were several small tables available. There was also a large round table for 8 or more on far right of room which had only two females taking up half the table. Ugh! how rude and self-serving. Get a clue! Be civil! I am happy to say that I was assertive and immediately started assigning seats to my family at the long table before they had chance to say "No."

[Rich]

Try to make singulars and plurals agree. Book is rife with sentences like # 152: "if someONE (singular) has something in THEIR (plural) teeth...etc."

Civilly speaking, perhaps the next entry should be, "hire an editor - then trust them (sic)."

[jodi]

Say thank you when someone holds a door open for you after they have gone through the door, and if you held the door respond with your welcome...