Culture is of extreme importance if we as a people are to advance. Because there are indications of regression instead of general refinement in our cultural values, it becomes necessary to focus upon the cause of this downturn.

We must identify the qualities that distinguish the noble human being from the crude.What are the specific factors in our national culture which have promoted the advancement of our people? What are the habits that are leading us to betray them?And what are the cultural factors that are retained in every known enduring culture?

In facing the first of these, in Australia, a country still in its adolescence, we have inherited the best of the Anglo Saxon values which were the foundation stones for our new country including a sophisticated English language. For this we must thank the dedication of scholars past,and specially the great Lord Bacon who extended the limited vocabulary to allow communication of scientific and legal matters. Together with the genius of Shakespeare and his wisdom and understanding of human nature we were provided with the basis for our modern culture in both psychology, quality literature, science and law. It was to provide the sixteenth century stimulus for our current advances in culture…however…

It is appropriate to reflect upon present day cultural behaviour and habits that show signs of inadequate preservation of important cultural values and even a conscious rejection. Included amongst these are refinement in speech, manners and social courtesies. In these it would seem that we have lost our way and must seem a very coarse society when compared with those who retain the basic ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.

All cultures contribute to the kaleidoscopic variety of customs adhered to on our planet. By being faithful to the finest core of our native culture and continuing to build upon its foundation is surely the way to human progress. Identifying the areas where we are slipping in our cultural standards gives us the chance to improve. Have we the will to do so?

Tags: background, Bacon, counrtesy, Culture, history, language, law, Shakkespeare

Filed under: Culture by admin