‘Civility’

I am amused by the rather sudden prominence gained by the word “civility.” I applaud the phenomenon. However, I am equally surprised that the idea behind the word is treated as novel. I understand that a recent book is entitled “Civility.” That’s novel!

Seventy-seven years ago, I was introduced to this delightful philosophy by my father, who had the slogan “Civility Costs Nothing” crudely painted on his lunch box. I was 5, and, even then, it made sense. Maybe the cost-saving factor might encourage our politicians to consider the idea. It worked very well for at least one great man.

AL WARREN

Ojai