Jed's Blog

I was deeply impressed by Dr. Forni's book "Choosing Civility". In an era of invective political debate, and nasty, sarcastic commentary that passes for common communication, it's refreshing to see a lifelong academic stand up for voluntary social restraint. His principles even led him to disagree with his university on ratifying a mandatory civility code. If we could learn one lesson from a bygone era, it would be the ability to communicate (both verbally and non-verbally) in a manner that is dignified or at the very least civil. The only anger, rage and violence I enjoy watching is when I attend hockey matches...and even then only if a player has repeatedly high sticked someone or has been a little too brutual on a bodycheck.

His book is simple, concise and elegant, but most importantly, it is as decent a book as it hopes to encourage in others.