Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court

Timeless Traits

Some say I believe in old-fashioned traits: courtesy, politeness, and consideration. I do believe in these qualities, but they aren’t old-fashioned. They never go out of style— even when they seem to be increasingly scarce.

I believe they are still common. We just see their opposites so much in the media that we think that’s all there is.

People like to help, to be polite, to be considerate. I believe it’s basic human nature. And it’s a funny thing: when you start displaying courtesy, politeness, and consideration, people start displaying them right back.