Why Do You Need to be Polite?

Here is a persuasive essay I wrote:
Why are manners important? Because it is being kind, having love and goodwill to men. Everybody should have good manners, and bad manners cause friction between people, resulting in arguments and hurt feelings, even when people don't mean to be rude. I am aware that things can happen without meaning too, such as things that you say not coming out right. That happens to me quite often, especially when I'm talking with my sister.

Sometimes people don't know how to use etiquette, but as long as you truly love others, it will show through how you act. Emily Post, who wrote about etiquette, said:
“Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use.”

Although it may seem alright if you just act nice to people when they're around, gossiping is one of the worst forms of bad manners. If you complain about somebody's house being messy, their kids being loud, dogs getting hair all over your clothes, etc., it's still better than gossiping about a person.

Robert A Heinlein, a science fiction writer, said this:


“A dying culture invariably exhibits personal rudeness. Bad manners. Lack of consideration for others in minor matters. A loss of politeness, of gentle manners, is more significant than is a riot...” This illustrates the importance of being polite very well. Although sometimes people might think that being polite is old-fashioned and unnecessary, courtesy, respect, and love are necessary for a functioning society. It is true, however, that some things would be a little odd today, such as dressing like Elizabeth Bennet everyday, even though that would be awesome.

Again, people need to have manners. And we can start, by doing the little things, like holding doors open, respecting others, and smiling.

And to end, here's a poem by Shel Silverstein:

“I'm making a list
I'm making a list of things I must say
For politeness,
And goodness and kindness and gentleness
Sweetness and rightness:
Hello
Pardon me
How are you?
Excuse me
Bless you
May I?
Thank you
Goodbye
If you know some that I've forgot,
Please stick them in your eye!”