At one time, the gym was my, for lack of better words, “temple or church” I worked out in crowded solitude, able to feed off the energy around me, and yet remain spiritually alone in my efforts.
I respected others in their endeavors and others respected me in mine. Pleasantries were exchanged upon entering or leaving or sometimes in between exercises, but once engaged in activity — courtesy did not allow disruption. Yet lately, respect, civility and courtesy seem to be words that have little meaning.
I am not sure what has changed, but the last few times I have tried to restart an exercise regime, my concentration and serenity has been directly entreated upon by the impoliteness of others. So much so, that I am unsure if I can bring myself to return.
Like the other day, in the business which I patronized since childhood, it seems the simple lesson of youth, “Do unto others…..” no longer exists. Even a good friend of mine, who at one time defined the word gentleman, has all but relegated the golden rule, in regard to discourse, to the depths of an outhouse.
I am aware that the only constant, for better or worse, is change. Perhaps I am anachronistic, doomed by a loyalty to outdated concepts such as courtesy, civility, and respect. Perhaps my observations of disrespect are what allow me to write of the damaged and broken.
Short Story Scribe 
Good article Sir, unfortunately what you speak of is our ‘culture’ today, or simply the lack there of any kindness or decency. I am going to reblog this article for you Sir.
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Reblogged this on Truth Troubles.
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Degeneration is not change, in the proper meaning of the word, but rather it is an abdication of anything meaningful, to the “benefit’ of slovenliness.
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