Values Quotes – Robbie Burns on Decorum
Welcome to Values Quotes. I’m Robert Ferguson.
Todays quote is from Robbie Burns, the famous Scottish poet from the 16th century.
A thoughtful quote from Burns is:
“Let them cant about decorum, Who have characters to lose!”
Words to heed for those that care about the values of a civilized society.
As a differentiating value, Decorum means appropriate social behavior; propriety; or proper order.
Consideration for acceptable behavior has long been a topic of interest, such as:
- How should children behave in school?
- How should employees behave at work?
- How should Christians behave at church – and more importantly – outside of church?
As society continues to evolve, there are always those who constantly push against traditions. Then there are those who argue behaviors have become too loose, and we need to get back to more conventionally accepted standards.
In other words, the evaluation of decorum is in the eye of the beholder.
But Burns makes a brilliant case that only those who possess a respected character have the right to challenge acceptable decorum. Because without decorum and character the very fabric of civilized society would crumble.
Today’s value was selected from the “Fairness-Respect” category, based on the e-book Developing Your Differentiating Values.
