My father used to say, “Son, one thing you owe everyone is a ‘good morning,’ a ‘good afternoon,’ or a ‘good evening’.” He would say, “once you’ve done that, you’ve paid your debt.” It seems that we seldom think in terms of what we may owe the world, rather we tend to concentrate on what we think the world owes us. Hospitality translates into dollars and cents and can often turn non-sense into commonsense. Restaurants, retailers, pharmacies, most successful business concerns, and those who earn tips and gratuities, have learned the monetary benefits of a kind greeting. On the other hand, a kind greeting often diffuses the anger of an irate person who may have done something regrettable.
Hmm, what a concept? We owe each other the acknowledgement of each other’s presence as another human being. Well, for the most part, I have followed my father’s advice. In the southern states it was easier because of the notion of southern hospitality. However, I found that it worked in cities all over the country, including New York City. I have also, seen it work when I was in hostile territory, disarming would be assailants. So, I think I am going to expand my father’s philosophy.
I am going to view myself as a business with a lot to offer the world. Then, I am going to see every human being as my potential customer, business partner, client, or neighbor and, given the opportunity, I think I will greet them. Now, this is going to take a great deal of discipline for me to be successful because there are some mean and angry people in the world. Maybe what I owe them will help them to come to their senses and stop charging the world for what they themselves have not paid.