Good manners cost nothing

Is there a parallel between our social standards and political behaviour?

On a recent road trip to family near Waihi I found that driving standards were very high.

In contrast, about 30 years ago I travelled by chauffeured car on company business to Hamilton. I remember to this day that the driver followed other traffic too closely and worried me. This was typical of driving standards at the time and I was fearful of a tailgate collision.

In sharp contrast, however, as I recently drove north and, later, across to Hastings (more family) and home, I found that following distances were universally observed. There was always at least a 10-car gap on the open road.

Perhaps we are all socially more considerate to one another – the Daily News recently reported that, in a major speech, the Prime Minister spoke of her hope that the future would see the government ‘‘bring kindness back’’.

My own personal observation is that people nowadays are more considerate than of old; and that younger people in particular show more concern for others.

Perhaps there is hope for us all. Good manners (which stem from kindness) make life more pleasant.

This century’s prime ministers: Helen Clark, John Key, Bill English and (now) Jacinda Ardern have been models of polite conduct – maybe their example (in contrast to savage political abuse in some other countries) has been leading the way nationally to a more tolerant and well-mannered society.

If so, it is to be welcomed.

Robert Sorley

New Plymouth