Becoming Civil: Manners, Etiquette, and Decorum from Aristotle to Kirk with Jeff Polet and Gleaves Whitney

Americans are increasingly concerned about a decline in civility and that company can no longer be counted on to be polite. Manners and etiquette are the glue that holds social life together; without them, things fall apart quickly. Students from across Michigan joined us for a weekend retreat at the Russell Kirk Center in Mecosta, Michigan. Students learned about where manners, etiquette, and decorum came from, why they matter, and how to make them part of their own character.

The weekend featured experts who taught students the fine points of business and dinner etiquette. The weekend was concluded with an etiquette dinner on Saturday evening.

We are grateful to John and Michelle Engler for their financial support of this program and for making this trip possible. Thank you to the Russell Kirk Center for their hospitality.