ABSTRACT
One noticeable feature of academic life is how much time is spent arguing against the views of others. Indeed, criticism is the lifeblood of academia. Not offering appreciation when merited indicates a lack of manners, a failure to treat others appropriately. Academics may be prone to overlook the connection because too many are led in graduate school to view scholarly inquiry as a competition in which the people score points by refuting others, rather than a cooperative enterprise in which participants reason together to enhance understanding. Neither rudeness nor arrogance belongs in a classroom. Similarly, when comments are offered at a professional lecture, they should begin on a positive note, even if only to thank the speaker for raising provocative issues. The travails of academic life would be lessened if professors emphasized not only the importance of correctness but also a concern for kindness.
