Henry Wells pioneered the express business in the northeast in the 1840s. His philosophy for success involves courtesy.. Besides being polite, courtesy to me means giving deference to others and letting others go first Through a door, for example. To me, Courtesy is also about loving, caring, sharing, giving, forgiving, genuine kindness striving . Courtesy is meant to bring around conditions of comfort, joy, love, Hope, unity, equity, faith and sustainable and holistic striving happiness. Courtesy is about giving other people a chance at life. Moreover, it’s about helping people achieve the things that they want to achieve in life. It is also about striving towards our desired future condition with our similarities. Courtesy is not about extreme competition and survival at any cost. It’s about holistic competition and helping other people survive in a difficult world. Likewise, courtesy is about lifting people up when they Need help. Therefore, I see courtesy as a word that is more than just success. It is an ethic that we should strive for as we transition towards desired future condition on earth.
Drawing inspiration from historical figures like Henry Wells, whose pioneering spirit in the 1840s express business was underpinned by a philosophy of courtesy, I often reflect on the profound depth of this seemingly simple concept. For me, courtesy transcends mere politeness; it embodies a fundamental respect and profound deference towards others, extending beyond a gracious gesture like holding open a door to encompass a more expansive ethos of human connection.
True courtesy, as I understand it, is an active expression of our noblest human qualities. It manifests as genuine love and heartfelt caring, evidenced through selfless sharing and generous giving. It is the grace of forgiveness that heals divides and the unwavering commitment to genuine kindness in all interactions. These aren’t just abstract ideals; they are the bedrock upon which meaningful relationships and a thriving society are built.
Indeed, courtesy is the very catalyst for cultivating an environment rich with comfort, boundless joy, enduring love, and an unshakeable sense of hope. It fosters unity, championing equity and instilling faith, ultimately paving the way for sustainable and holistic well-being for all. It is the principle that empowers individuals, offering them not just a fighting chance in life, but also steadfast support in realizing their aspirations and achieving their personal milestones. Moreover, courtesy calls us to recognize our shared humanity, prompting us to collaborate and collectively strive towards a more desirable future.
This ethical framework stands in stark contrast to the relentless pursuit of individual success at any cost. Instead of endorsing extreme competition and survival of the fittest, courtesy advocates for a holistic approach, where success is measured not just by personal gain, but by our collective ability to uplift and sustain one another, especially in challenging times. It is about extending a helping hand without hesitation, offering support and encouragement when it is most needed.
Therefore, for me, courtesy is far more than a characteristic of success; it is a fundamental moral imperative, an indispensable ethic that we must consciously cultivate and embody as we navigate our journey towards a more compassionate and harmonious existence on this planet.
Richard Thomas Simmons