Section A  Discussion

Think about the following questions and try to answer them.

1.        The English word "decency" is often defined as "honest, polite behaviour that follows accepted moral standards and shows respect for others". Have you noticed in your daily life any human behaviour that goes against common decency? How do you react to such behaviour?

2.        Doyou think one's behaviour is related to his or her moral values? Give an example to illustrate your point.

3.        Do you think there exist any conflicts between personal freedom and common decency? Illustrate your point with an example.

Section B  Quotes

Study the following quotes about human behaviour. Do you agree with each of them? Give reasons to support your view.

1.   Do not fail to do a good deed because it is small; do not do a bad deed because it is small.                                    — A Chinese proverb

2.  When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That's my religion.

                          — Abraham Lincoln

3.  People's behaviour makes sense if you think about it in terms of their goals, needs, and motives

                          — Thomas Mann

4.  Trust men and they will be true to you; treat themgreatly, and they will show themselves great.    

                          — Ralph WaldoEmerson

Interpretation of the Quotes

1.   Do not fail to do a good deed because it is small; do not do a bad deed because it is small.                                    — A Chinese proverb

Interpretation:

This is a literal translation of the Chinese saying “勿以善小而不为，勿以恶小而为之。” It teaches us the virtue of being good to others and tells us to guard against evil and wicked behaviour.

2.  When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That's my religion.

                          — Abraham Lincoln

Interpretation:

Here, in simple and plain language Abraham Lincoln points out the truth that for a virtuous and righteous person, happiness lies in doing good things for others and that we must live this conviction daily.

3.  People's behaviour makes sense if you think about it in terms of their goals, needs, and motives.

                          — Thomas Mann

Interpretation:

People's behaviour can be explained by what they are after. In other words, how we behave is a reflection of our beliefs and our beliefs are a reflection of our values.

4.  Trust men and they will be true to you; treat them greatly, and they will show themselves great.    

                          — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Interpretation:

We all want our abilities to be recognized and appreciated by others, and we all cherish the trust and respect of others. As the Chinese saying goes, a gentleman is ready to die for those who know the worth of him（士为知己者死）. If you trust and respect a person, he/she will show you that he / she deserve your trust and respect.