Hi All,

I am sure we all agree that being Civil is not the same thing as being Spiritual. However, IMHO, there is a lot of common ground. Moreover, if more people were civil, I think more people would be able to pierce the veil of ignorance.

I have not read this book; but, it seems to be making a splash in certain circles:

Choosing Civility, The Twenty-five Rules of Considerate Conduct, by P. M. Forni, 2002.

Here are his 25 rules:

1. Pay attention
2. Acknowledge others
3. Think the best
4. Listen
5. Be inclusive
6. Speak kindly
7. Don't speak ill
8. Accept and give praise
9. Respect even a subtle “no”
   1. Respect others’ opinions
   2. Mind your body
   3. Be agreeable
   4. Keep it down (rediscover quietness)
   5. Respect other peoples’ time
   6. Respect other peoples’ space
   7. Apologize earnestly
   8. Assert yourself
   9. Avoid personal questions
   10. Care for your guests
   11. Be a considerate guest
   12. Think twice before asking for favors
   13. Refrain from idle complaints
   14. Accept and give constructive criticism
   15. Don't shift responsibility or blame

Some of above could have been taken from Classical Buddhism, Ch'an or Zen Buddhism, Confucianism, Yoga, and many other religious traditions.

What do you think of these? Is the list too big, too small?

Do you have anything else to add to the list?

Is civility more closely related to Religion than to Spirituality?

Is civility superfulous if one is spiritual?

Is just being spiritual enough?