Decency: A Lesson from the Theatre

Dear friends, today I’d like to share a story with you. A story that takes us back to a time when I was a younger man, a story that revolves around a play I once saw. But more importantly, it’s a story about decency.

The Play

It was a cold winter’s night when I found myself in the heart of London, at the grand Old Vic Theatre. The play was King Lear, a Shakespearean tragedy that I’m sure many of you are familiar with. The theatre was packed, the anticipation palpable.

The Interruption

As the play unfolded, a young man in the audience began to cause a disruption. He was loud, obnoxious, and clearly under the influence of alcohol. His behavior was ruining the experience for everyone around him.

The Lesson

Now, here’s where our lesson in decency comes in. Instead of reacting with anger or annoyance, the people around him responded with patience and understanding. They tried to calm him down, to explain the situation. They treated him with decency.

And you know what? It worked. The young man eventually quieted down and the play continued. The evening was saved, not by anger or force, but by simple human decency.

The Takeaway

So, what can we learn from this? Decency, my friends, is not just about being polite or following social norms. It’s about treating others with respect and understanding, even when they may not deserve it. It’s about rising above the situation and being the bigger person.

Remember, decency is a choice. And it’s a choice that can make a world of difference. So, the next time you find yourself in a difficult situation, I urge you to choose decency. You never know, you might just save the day.

Until next time, stay decent.

Kev