Civility

ci·vil·i·ty/səˈvilitē/

Noun:

Formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech. Polite remarks used in formal conversation.

The dictionary definition is certainly not what I think of when I think of civility, especially at Furman. I think of being able to leave my keys and wallet on a Dining Hall table to reserve it while I go get food; I think of being able to engage in (relatively!) polite political discussion with people of opposing viewpoints during class; I think of leaving my iPod in a practice room for three days and it still being there when I came back!

Furman is wrought with civility in many different ways. How do you think of civility? I think of George Washington's first rule of civility:

"Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present."

Unrelated but still important, come to the North Village end of the year cookout!

Come hang out 6pm - 8pm before Spring Concert!

Diversity!

Furman's initiative to enhance diversity has been stepping up its game in recent years. Not only through racial diversity, diversity but also religious/spiritual life, political thought, and even general activities and interest. So, although Furman may not look like the most diverse place in the world, there are plenty of different cultures around here from which one can draw ideas and opinions. Think about a few of these quotes about diversity....

• We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.” - Maya Angelou

• “Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day.” - Anonymous

• “There never were in the world two opinions alike, no more than two hairs or two grains; the most universal quality is diversity” - Michel de Montaigne

• “If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.” - JFK

• “Toward no crimes have men shown themselves so cold- bloodedly cruel as in punishing differences of belief” - James Russell Lowell

Do any of these reflect the way you feel about diversity? Should any of these reflect the way you feel about diversity? Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it, and we'll have a much better understanding of history if we look at it from a number of different points of view.

-Joya