The witty Goethe, a connoisseur of human psychology, in just one phrase deduced a formula that meets the principles of external decency: “The most immoral and licentious people on this planet look so decent that they can now be printed on Christmas cards.” This is the whole of Goethe, but this completely explains the need for an external gloss - to cover up with the good looks of not too attractive spiritual traits.
What is decency true and ostentatious
But before putting stamps, analyzing someone else's behavior, we will understand what decency is, as it is. A lot of manuals have been published since the time of Alexander I on the topic “How to Be a Good Boy”. What is only the "Rules of courtesy and decency", published in 1819 in albums for noble noble children.
The word "decorum" was not in use then, but its meaning was quite understandable and fit into the concept of hypocrisy. Contributed to maintaining sensitivity in high society, the so-called "Georges" and swindlers who wore gold key chains on watch chains and dressed in mantle. To distinguish a true lady or nobleman from a penguin in peacock feathers was possible only by behavior in society. Even with the observance of external conditional decency, the clumsy impudence or lackey servility of commoners or poorly educated offspring from the “middle layers” betrayed them headlong.
The German writer of the late 19th century, Lyon Feuchtwanger, expressed himself on this subject with a hint: “Of all the vices, decency is the most devastating.” Indeed, the maintenance of a life style that does not correspond to the inner essence, the burden is sometimes disproportionate. Indirectly agrees with this proposition and Kant, noting that all decency is nothing more than a beautiful appearance.
Leaving the pompous syllable, we explain that decency in its primary meaning is not even belonging to the upper world, although it was more convenient for it to take root there. This is nothing more than ordinary decency. Showy decency , respectively, can manifest itself in any society.
The rules of decency in the judgments of high society
Both external decency and internal decency require some effort and constant monitoring. They do not correspond to the spirit of fanfare, but, on the contrary, call for moderation of desires, modesty of judgments and caution in pleasures.
In the light of ideal understanding, a decent person should possess the following qualities:
- a sound judgment ordering not only thoughts and words, but also actions and reactions to the actions of other people;
- high morality and honesty of behavior;
- compliance with ethical standards and the society in which he is located;
- a tolerant attitude towards others, the ability not to notice someone else's oversight, if it is not offensive;
- maintaining personal dignity in any situation;
- a desire to help others without claiming compensation for personal inconvenience, expenses or possible casualties on their part.
The same Goethe, arguing about the moral side of the issue, reasonably notes that external decency must be justified.
The rules of decency in the "Encyclopedia of Life"
The "Encyclopedia of Life" of the 1992 edition does not slightly supplement the above, but let's get acquainted with the rules of decency, set out by our compatriots relatively recently. So, to respect decency means:
- stick to your position;
- treat others with respect;
- Do not show gaiety when addressing people who have reason to be sad;
- Do not show a proud appearance;
- Do not interrupt the interlocutor in a conversation, immediately - do not pretend to be a source of verbosity;
- Do not force anyone to accept your point of view, but stand up for justice in expressions that are not offensive to others;
- Do not whisper tĂŞte-Ă -tĂŞte in the company of other people;
- Do not put your person on the topic of conversation;
- not to make a forced look during the conversation, to find the strength to apologize and leave the interlocutor, if you need to leave.
Decent thief
The famous swindler Sonya Zolotaya Ruchka was an unsurpassed master of adventure, while the unfortunate victims thought until the last minute that they were dealing with a highly respectable lady. The woman was very educated, learned five languages ​​with ease, and possessed the attractive appearance of an innocent girl.
All the successful large passages performed by Sonya, rested on the extraordinary ability of this brilliant thief to play with his external decency, departing from the canons of decency with such grace as if it was a matter of minor “random” circumstances.
Citing Sophia Bluewstein as an example , we can speak more about the phenomenon of rare plasticity. Possessing the whole art of decency, seemingly an exemplary noble lady, this actress in life serves as yet another confirmation of Charles Colton's words: “Women do not violate decency laws as often as men, but if they have to break, they go much further in this regard” .
How decency is understood in Germany
A decent German does not confuse personal life with public life, therefore it is not customary in their midst to discuss family at work, and work issues in the family circle. You will not hear from a German acquaintance appeal to “you” even after several months of friendly communication, since even a change in the phase of communication in these sensible people occurs slowly and accordingly to a balanced decision.
You should not, falling into the trap of decency and decency, ask the German about his affairs and show sincere interest in the question asked, because otherwise you will be faced with a lengthy and thorough conversation about all the problems heard by the news, epidemics and everything else that is indirect or Directly touched this Herr.
The Germans surprisingly sensitively recognize the demonstrative external decency and the related deceit, therefore, if you do not want to be below the friendship line of one of them, do not try to try on someone else's image.
Decency in English
Decency in England is not an outward manifestation and not the result of self-control, it is a quality of character, formed from childhood. Diplomacy is the main quality of an Englishman, so you can talk with him for an hour and get out of the conversation extremely accurate information about the weather, about exchange rates, but not about what you wanted to know.
In general, in a properly conducted conversation, a decent Englishman will certainly mention the weather about ten times during the conversation. This may seem strange, but thanks to this alternative topic, a well-educated Briton will not allow you to feel an awkward pause or get lost in finding a topic.
In England, bodily contacts in communication are not in use - to greet one’s hand while holding the interlocutor’s palm in one’s hand is considered the height of indecency. It is also obscene in a conversation with a true Briton to demand specifics from him, if it is obvious that he is trying to avoid it.