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Herman Miller Journal November 4, 2010

The Civility Discussion—Again

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Last Monday, The Today Show began a three-part story about civility in the United States–or rather the lack of it. From political leaders to sports figures to everyday people on reality shows, there seems to be a growing lack of respect in word and deed. Some blame technology (read “cell phones”), some blame parents.

This is not a new problem. One of Herman Miller’s iconic designers, Bill Stumpf, and I wrote a book about the subject 12 years ago. He and I explored civility–a long-time interest of Stumpf’s–and how people can restore to their lives through design. That is, in fact, the subtitle of the book: The Ice Palace that Melted Away: Restoring Civility and Other Lost Virtues to Everyday Life.

Watch the segments on The Today Show, read Stumpf’s book, and become an advocate for civility in your workplace, your relationships, and your life in general. We will all be better for it.

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Comments (3)

I thought it was great that the today show was recognizing civility – should have known it was part of Herman Miller’s (and Clark and Bill’s) DNA. . . and that there would be a book to document it:) The timing couldn’t be better, could it?

posted by Beth Taylor | November 4, 2010 at 6:35 pm

It’s true that a lack of civility is a problem – of course every generation thinks “Young people these days don’t respect their elders!” I think that goes back to the dawn of recorded history. These days, it’s particularly sad that if you try to treat other people with consideration in the way you speak you get accused of being “politically correct”. I think a lot of restoring civility to our society rests on the willingness to simply slow down and think. Most of us would agree that we want to live in a more polite and respectful society. It’s just that we rush so much that we don’t make it a priority.

Daisy McCarty

posted by San Diego Office Furniture | November 7, 2010 at 8:18 am

People used to think about the impact of their actions upon their community, these days they mostly think about the outcomes of their actions for themselves.

It’s me, me, me and advertising supports this by telling us we deserve this or that.

I don’t think it’s a generational thing either, I have seen inconsiderate young people, middle aged people and aged people.

People mostly just care about themselves these days.

posted by Mark Moskvitch | October 19, 2011 at 9:59 pm

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