一個人的行為舉止在一定程度上影響著別人對他的看法。在當今資訊時代,它又被賦予了新的含義……
(Words: 350; Time: 5 minutes)
There is an old saying in England created by William of Wykeham in the 14th century that 「Manners make the man」. In other words, the way you behave towards others is how you will be judged.
That proverb is being used today to encourage the public to behave better. On a new tram(有軌電車) service in Manchester, England, the ticket inspectors will reward those who behave well with free tram tickets. If you give up your seat to someone older than you; if you put litter in the wastebin; if you show new tram users how to use the ticket machine or if you give someone directions, you will receive a free ticket.
Many years ago people were taught strict manners and etiquette. Men opened doors for ladies; men would always pay for a lady’s meal; men lifted their hats when passing a lady in the street. Today’s modern women do not like these customs. They like to be independent.
Politeness has not disappeared, however. The new politeness today is called 「Netiquette」 and it is all about how to behave in the dot-com world and on the Internet. There are magazine articles about 「politeness」 for software programmers. These encourage programmers to avoid annoying computer users with too many pop-up advertisements. The new etiquette prevents the programmers from revealing the names of users. You can find information on how to be polite in e-mails, both in business and socially. E-recruiting will find you a new job and you may never meet your employer for your interview. You may have a videophone interview, send your resume and picture electronically and only meet your new employer on your first day of work. Good cyber manners are very important. They influence what people think of you.Make sure you are not 「banished」 by the click of a delete button before someone has read all about you!
This is a long way from the 14th century when William of Wykeham spoke of courteous human behaviour, or is it? The principles are the same. Good manners are everything!
(from Ohana Foundation: www. ohanalearning. org. cn)
Help:
reveal v. to make known sth. that was previously secret or unknown
recruit v. to find new people to work in a company,join an organization, or do a job, etc.
delete v. to remove sth. especially from a computer’s memory courteous adj. polite and showing respect
(責任編輯：汪春)