Morality means exercising restraint and discipline in one’s actions and speech. Everything one does talks and thinks should be honest and upright. One should refrain from actions, words and thoughts that may cause harm or disadvantage to others. Only then can one become a person of good moral character. As the wise men of old said, “The wealthy have material possessions as their capital, while the poor have good character as their capital.”
Just as the present is the foundation for the future, young people are the fundamental force for the well-being and progress of the next generation. Young students must grow into mature, responsible individuals with good moral character. To gain the right knowledge and understanding, they should read good and worthwhile books and follow the guidance and teachings of their parents and teachers. As the saying goes, “Knowledge is a treasure that cannot be stolen”; therefore, in this ever-changing and advancing age of knowledge, young people must constantly strive to acquire knowledge.
Moreover, being courteous and well-mannered is a virtue that everyone should possess. Courtesy means showing gentleness and refinement in one’s conduct, mind and heart. Well-mannered activities mean being able to distinguish right from wrong and benefit from harm, think and act in accordance with what is right, and bring about positive outcomes. Therefore, everyone should cultivate and uphold courtesy and good manners in order to enhance their dignity as human beings.
The guidance and teachings of parents, teachers, and elders form the foundation for nurturing courteous and well-mannered young people in Myanmar society. As children’s first teachers, parents should guide their sons and daughters in developing good habits in their daily lives and eating practices, as well as polite speech and proper conduct.
From an early age, parents should teach children, whose hearts are still tender and impressionable, through stories and tales that promote courtesy and gentleness, helping them develop refined and compassionate hearts through appreciation of literature and storytelling. As children grow and begin their formal education after learning from their parents at home, teachers should continue to guide and educate them.
The benefits of being courteous and well-mannered are immense. When people treat one another with courtesy and good manners, they earn the respect and goodwill of others, and their communication and cooperation are more likely to succeed. Indeed, good moral character is a fundamental value in everyone’s life. Therefore, young people should cultivate good moral character and discipline themselves from their school years onward, making a conscious effort to develop and improve themselves.
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