Carrie and Danielle - Latest Comments in What does it mean to be civilized?

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

Stephanie — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:24:41 -0000

Being mindful, which I would say encompasses respecting the wishes of others, the dignity of your body, and the sanctity of the natural world. (Maybe that mindfulness comes from a silent understanding of the heavy hand of karma/"God"/whatever, ready to smack you if you screw up.)

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

Virginie — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 07:25:24 -0000

Sustainability! Environmentally & Socially.

Being civilized today is to care for other people & for our planet in everything we do.

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

Beth C. — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:50:27 -0000

Being civilized means being gentle, gracious and kind.

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

C Martin — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:39:09 -0000

I use the word to describe a certain refinement in taste or manners; someone who is polished or a higly cultured experience. However, by definition, I beleive it means to be evolved morally and intellectually.

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

Kristi — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:08:30 -0000

Oh, yes! Please sign up for the cell phone etiquette class coming soon (I hope) to a neighbourhood near you.

But actually, when you think about it, cell phone etiquette falls in the big arena of respect - respecting the rights of others to enjoy public group spaces - the bus, the bookstore, the library - without having to listen to you chat.

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

Cindy — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:06:12 -0000

Appreciation of the aspects of life beyond the everyday - culture, art, nature, beauty.

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

MelissaM — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:49:33 -0000

Love. Respect. Courage. Honesty. Wisdom. Humility. Truth.... seven teachings about civility that Indigenous people knew and lived long before they were "civilised".

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

RecollectedStephanie — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:34:53 -0000

To my mind, the height of acting like a civilized person is to feel deeply, and experience fully, and grieve, and lose, and completely screw up and know you've done it ... and never take it out on anyone else.

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

Girl-Woman — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:51:08 -0000

Civilized is the developed modern society of the blogosphere, particulary, this blog. Carrie and Danielle challenge us to go beyond the box on a daily basis within a new realm. A single flower that Danielle suggested was civilized -- and I couldn't agree more -- that same flower is a heartfelt thank-you in the blogosphere. And as Carrie intimated, respect for children or any human being is civilization on steroids.

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

Connie — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:23:19 -0000

Civilized may mean to be non-martial, to be peaceful and kind and compassionate. Sounds right to me.

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

Kathleen — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:23:36 -0000

Finding ways to help others who are less fortunate. Following the golden rule. Treating others with compassion, respect and kindness.

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

Scott — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:11:15 -0000

Creating space for the possibility of all perspectives. Celebrating diversity.

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

Karryn Ransom — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:44:40 -0000

I second that, Gwyneth! Everyone has value. Everyone.

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

Susie Hutchinson — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:29:48 -0000

Treating animals and children with dignity.

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

Mary — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:17:44 -0000

Bingo. If respect over-rides our baser impulses, then our better selves show through. We then can bite our tongue before repeating gossip, whining, being clever with a caustic comment. Likewise we can find a thoughtful way to repair damage when we lose our way.

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

Reg — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:59:06 -0000

Sharing, having compassion and remembering that we are not the only ones occupying this planet.

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

Gwyneth Jones — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:47:11 -0000

Respecting all those around you regardless of age, class, ethnicity or any other differences.

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

Lindsey — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:31:31 -0000

I agree, for sure. Respect, which can often mean simply being polite, is the first thing that came to mind.

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

lisaohhh — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:09:01 -0000

courtesy and generosity. grace under pressure.

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

kerrymac — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:08:38 -0000

Being civilized is sharing...giving back with an open heart. Holding a door, giving to charity, I love hostess gifts, handwritten thank you cards, saying Grace with friends and family. My last pregnancy I got rather saddened by the lack of manners I often encountered with teenage and 20-something guys. Huge belly and two other kids and still sometimes doors weren't held that extra second, or bus seats not surrendered. I don't think they were being spiteful , they simply didn't know better. The worst was one day (7 months pregos) after we had a good two feet of snow I got our vehicle very stuck with my boys in the car and hubbie out of town. I shoveled for over an hour while three teenage neighbours, just home from snowboarding, cleared their steps then sat and drank beers! I was to angry to ask for help, but they certainly didn't get any baking from me anymore.

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

Emily — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:05:36 -0000

mom, to me, you exemplify what it means to be civilized - not just in actions but in the way you approach life. I admire the way you can make any house into a stylish home without spending a fortune - you respect and cherish your spaces and make everyone feel so welcome.

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

Ellen — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:03:43 -0000

Kindness.

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

Katie Kay — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:53:02 -0000

Be polite and make other people feel comfortable by including everyone listening in a conversation by making eye contact with each person as you tell your story. I know I appreciate it, and wish that other people would practice this simple courtesy when speaking to more than 1 person.

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

Jacquie — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:48:37 -0000

Angela nailed it! Respect was the word that came to mind for me. Respect everywhere and at all times. Respect allows all compassion and dignity.

Re: What does it mean to be civilized?

Krystl — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:46:07 -0000

nice answer. and i learned a new word! 'apanage' - very good word.