“All entities move and nothing remains still”
HERACLITUS
Everything changes and CIVIL-ISATION clarifies an ideal we can all aim for, without prescribing a fixed ideology.
– Creating a climate of respect which does not conflict with the key principles of any faith or personal belief system.
However, giving all the ‘dignity of respect’ also makes life easier for us, promotes wellbeing and peace.
We would like to share 7 ways this ethos might effect our daily life and help promote a positive culture:
SMILING
Smiling more at anyone we meet or pass, to give acknowledgement and perhaps infer fundamental respect.
1
AVOIDING GOSSIP
Usually about guessing the motive of others and judging them unfavourable as a result – fun but often cruel and unhelpful.
2
AVOIDING ARGUING
Valuing other people and their points of view allows us to acknowledge and respect their position. This encourages compromise and therefore less argument.
3
PROMOTING LOCAL PARTICIPATION
When we respect our neighbours we want to cooperate with them to strengthen our communities and civil society generally.
4
PROMOTING NONVIOLENCE
Respect means more understanding and cooperation and therefore less violent confrontation, whether at home, nationally or internationally.
5
AVOIDING DEMONISATION
Respecting all peoples and accepting (if not celebrating) their right to be different, avoids this inevitable first step towards war.
6
DEFENDING RIGHTS OF MINORITIES
Locally & internationally because in some respect, we are all minorities.
7