Today's Gentleman

I am sure we are all familiar with the concept of the butterfly effect, an element of chaos theory.  One small act or event or a change in a complex system can have large effects elsewhere. I can’t think of a more complex system than society…

So, what would happen if this theory was applicable to behaviours within society?  It’s like the good-old network marketing idea that is predicated on a pyramid selling model.  You sell to ten people, who in turn sell to ten people each and so on and so on until there are thousands in the network… theoretically.

What if an individual continuously showed empathy and courtesy to ten strangers each day, and each of those people (buoyed by the consideration shown to them) emulated that behaviour with ten strangers each and so on and so on until there were thousands enjoying a richer day-to-day existence from these simple acts.

Sound a little far fetched or idealistic?  Possibly, but I don’t think it will hurt to try.  If not now, when?  If not you, who?

I believe we all make a choice, in interactions, in our day-to-day existences, to either add positive value, or not.  By not adding value you are actually having a negative influence…  It is a daily choice we have, what influence are you going to have today?

International Be a Gentleman day could be a good time to kick-start this new pyramid behaviour scheme – who knows how far your initial influence may go!