Civility is a set of behaviors based upon a set of values. It is adopted and grown by individuals based upon their conscious and unconscious experiences. The practice of Civility tends to promote Civility in others. Unchecked incivility tends to destroy Civility. The practice of Civility depends upon a communications, interaction and problem-solving process. The social commitment to Civility depends upon the rate and intensity of practice and the frequency and impact of responses to incivility. Civility is a social value that is partly conscious and partly unconscious.

Chaos Theory

OK!!! Once we start to investigate dynamic systems, the words and concepts get abstract and “questionable” pretty quickly. Complex systems are unstable. Small changes can cause large impacts. I share this because I think that Civility is a social system subject to this kind of dynamic, nonlinear change.

Emergent Systems

OK!!! Civility is an emergent property of people interacting. Simple, positive interactions promote more positive interactions. AI is trying to describe the idea of virtuous cycles and vicious cycles on a knife’s edge. Civility is a fragile concept and practice.

Managing Incivility

We have mixed advice. Some uncivil behaviors are so toxic they must be opposed. Yet, limiting free speech is against the core beliefs of Civility.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paradox_of_tolerance

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10579492/

Civility vs. Incivility

Incivility Anywhere Is a Threat to Civility Everywhere

Click to access workplace_incivility.pdf

Middle Ground

https://www.shrm.org/enterprise-solutions/insights/model-civility-workplace-culture

Limits to the Social Pressure to Conform

OK!!!! Individualism is a very strong force today. Society is much weaker, but it still has some power.

Minimum for Civility Survival

It is unclear what ideals, behaviors, principles, habits, beliefs or actions are needed to preserve Civility.

Limits to the Effectiveness of Taboos

OK!!! Social taboos were powerful but are less powerful today. Social forces were once much stronger. They could be stronger in the future.

Herd Immunity

Civility requires broad public support. When this exists, Civility is a powerful social expectation.

https://historyofvaccines.org/vaccines-101/what-do-vaccines-do/how-herd-immunity-works

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8166024/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/herd-immunity-and-coronavirus/art-20486808

Stickiness

Civility, like other cultural norms, does not disappear quickly, it persists.

Tipping Point

Civility is positioned to survive. There are many individuals and groups with the incentive and capability to defend and promote Civility.

Summary

Overall, I am optimistic about the survival and progress of Civility today, December 15, 2025.

POST SCRIPT

In the process of using Google AI today, I am now EXTREMELY CONCERNED THAT THE SINGULARITY IS ABOUT TO OCCUR SOON. The responses to my complex questions are at least an order of magnitude more insightful than they were just a few days ago!