Sep 2017
Civilization Requires a Little Effort
Upon reading Amon Towles’
A Gentleman in Moscow
Civilization requires a little effort
Ties must be knotted correctly, shoes must be polished
Cuffs must be linked, but not at all gaudily -
Elegant understatement at all times
On every occasion say “Thank you” and “please”
When addressing a lady one’s hat is off
And if tomorrow they are going to shoot you
Or beat you to death in a re-named street
Do comb your hair, and try to stand up straight
Civilization requires a little effort
Upon reading Amon Towles’
A Gentleman in Moscow
Civilization requires a little effort
Ties must be knotted correctly, shoes must be polished
Cuffs must be linked, but not at all gaudily -
Elegant understatement at all times
On every occasion say “Thank you” and “please”
When addressing a lady one’s hat is off
And if tomorrow they are going to shoot you
Or beat you to death in a re-named street
Do comb your hair, and try to stand up straight
Civilization requires a little effort
Re Amon Towles' *A Gentleman in Moscow,* which I recommend highly. You needn't read it in sequence (altho' it's better that way); you can open the book anywhere and enjoy the wit, love, banter, minutiae, and philosophy.
