of others is the foundation of social conduct. It is in the small matters of conduct, in the observance of the rules of the road, that we pass judgment upon ourselves, and declare that we are civilized or uncivilized. The great moments of heroism and sacrifice are rare. It is the little habits of commonplace intercourse that make up the great sum of life and sweeten or make bitter the journey.
Alfred George Gardiner was a British journalist and author. He was a prolific essayist and his style and subject matter easily qualified him to be categorized as what the English would call a very civilized gentleman. His essays include ‘On Habits’, ‘On Being Tidy’ and ‘On Talk and Talkers’. ‘On the Rule of the Road’, was included in one of Gardiner’s compilations titled ‘Leaves in the Wind’ and was published under his pseudonym “Alpha of the Plough’’.
About The Author confusion - mess peril - risk pedestrians - persons who walk on the streets chaos - confusion anarchy - lawlessness/ rebellion preserved - maintained curtailed - reduced tyranny - autocracy Glossary insolence - rudeness interfere - hinder contract - commitment indifferent - unconcerned fancy - desire shandy - lemonade ridiculous - comical conventional - normal accommodate - fit in with consideration - scrutiny . Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each. a. Why did the lady think she was entitled to walk down the middle of the road?
b. What would be the consequence of the old lady’s action? c. What does the ‘rule of the road’ mean?
d. Why should individual liberty be curtailed? 12th - - On the Rule of the Road Page e. How would a reasonable person react when his actions affect other person’s liberty?
f. Define ‘liberty’ as perceived by the author. g. According to the author, what are we more conscious of?
h. What is the foundation of social conduct? i. How can we sweeten our life’s journey?
j. What does the traffic policeman symbolize? . Answer the following questions in three or four sentences each.