Manners Maketh Man

Time for a moan. I haven't had one of those for ages. 

The saying "Manners Maketh Man" is attributed to William of Wykeham who served as Bishop of Winchester and Chancellor of England in the 14th Century. He also founded Winchester College and New College, Oxford, both of which adopted the saying as their motto.

William of Wykeham: Source Wikipedia

An alternative source for the phrase is William Horman, Headmaster of Eton School in the 15th and 16th centuries. In 1519 he published a Latin textbook called Vulgaria which is a collection of everyday sayings followed by their Latin translations. The subjects covered include school, manners, upbringing, religion and many others. Among the sayings translated in the book is "Manners Maketh Man".

A modern airing for the phrase is in the film Kingsman: The Secret Service with the ever delightful Colin Firth and supremely talented Taron Egerton. Firth locks the door as, with beautiful timing, he says "Manners Maketh Man. Do you know what that means? Then let me teach you a lesson." Just remembering the scene makes me smile. But I digress.

Put simply, the proverb states that politeness, good manners and civility are more important in how you present yourself than anything else.

I agree. I'm completely in favour of good manners. So why the moan? Because the Today programme on Radio 4 is making a mockery of good manners. Nearly every interviewee now says "Thank you for having me" before they've even answered any questions. I even heard one start to answer the presenter's question and stop to parrot "Thank you for having me" before continuing.

It's as if all the interviewees are schooled in the green room before coming on the programme: Now, don't forget to say "Thank you for having me" as soon as the red light comes on...or as soon as you are introduced...or whatever phrase they use. 

For goodness' sake these people are not promoting their books or records or organisations when that kind of thank you would be appropriate. They are there to help the presenter shed light on some issue or other. The person who should be saying thank you is the presenter. "Thank you for agreeing to this interview" or "Thank you for coming on the programme." 

In fact, some presenters are clearly nonplussed by these constant thank yous and start thanking the interviewee back like a weird back and forth of politeness. "After you," "No, after you," "No, I insist, after you."

Just do the interview and get on with the programme. Trust me, if you listen out for these thank yous, they'll start to annoy you as much as they do me.