WHAT IS ETIQUETTE
To the French we owe the word etiquette, and it is amusing to discover its origin in the commonplace familiar warning - "Keep off the grass." It happened in the reign of Louis XIV, when the gardens of Versailles were being laid out, that the master gardener, an old Scotsman, was sorely tried because his newly seeded lawns were being continually trampled upon. To keep trespassers off, he put up warning signs or tickets - etiquettes - on which was indicated the path along which to pass. But the courtiers paid no attention to these directions and so the determined Scot complained to the King in such convincing manner that His Majesty issued an edict commanding everyone at Court to "keep within the etiquettes." Gradually the term came to cover all the rules for correct demeanor and deportment in court circles; and this through the centuries it has grown into use to describe the conventions sanctioned for the purpose of smoothing personal contacts and developing tact and good manners.
The Court today has ceased to be the arbiter of manners. We now focus on moral virtues in general. In particular - friendships. So even though it is important to use the correct fork, knife, or spoon, it is just as important to be polite in all circumstances of social intercourse. Social etiquette as well as professional etiquette are equally important. Being on time for appointments, not interrupting, listening, dressing appropriately, shaking hands, no arguing or gossiping... are all at the heart of a system of rules of conduct based on respect and self control.
