This rousing, witty guide could help make the world a nicer, more civilized, more humane place."--Publishers Weekly In a world where rudeness is the norm and acts of kindness often make people more suspicious than grateful, who hasn't yearned for a return to good old-fashioned courtesy? In this gentle, inspiring book, Donald McCullough reminds us of the power that we have to make the world a better place--simply by being polite. He helps us spot opportunities to treat others with respect--not because they have "earned it," but because they deserve it as fellow human beings. From saying please and thank you, to keeping a secret, to picking up the check at dinner, it's the little decisions in life that make the big difference--helping us to grow more gracious, and to give, and receive, life's simple but essential gifts.