Alfred George Gardiner (1865-1946) was a notable English journalist, editor, and author, widely recognized for his insightful essays written under the pseudonym "Alpha of the Plough." He served as the editor of the Daily News from 1902 to 1919 and was also the Chairman of the National Anti-Sweating League, advocating for a minimum wage. His essays are celebrated for their wit, wisdom, and keen observations of human nature, often teaching profound truths in an accessible and engaging manner.
In "On the Rule of the Road," Gardiner opens with an anecdote about an old lady in Petrograd who insisted on walking in the middle of the street, asserting her liberty. This seemingly trivial incident serves as a starting point to illustrate a profound concept: unrestricted individual liberty can lead to universal chaos and social anarchy. The author highlights that true liberty is not absolute freedom to do as one pleases, but rather a collective agreement to curtail individual freedoms for the benefit and smooth functioning of society.
Gardiner elaborates on the idea that social order and freedom are maintained through mutual accommodation and adherence to unwritten "rules of the road." He uses the example of a policeman at Piccadilly Circus, emphasizing that the officer is not a symbol of tyranny but of liberty, ensuring that everyone's freedom to use the road is preserved. If the policeman did not intervene, the roads would descend into a chaotic gridlock, nullifying everyone's liberty. This simple act of submission to a common rule prevents wider disorder.
The essay extends this principle beyond traffic, applying it to various aspects of daily life. Gardiner argues that society functions effectively because individuals willingly yield some personal desires for the common good. He suggests that while one might prefer to play a trombone loudly at midnight, doing so in a residential area infringes upon others' right to quiet. True social conduct lies in a reasonable consideration for the rights and feelings of others.
Gardiner also touches upon the infectious nature of good and bad manners. He asserts that while the law can regulate external actions, it cannot regulate internal disposition or compel civility. Politeness and good temper are essential for sweetening the journey of life, making daily interactions pleasant. Conversely, ill-temper can spread negativity and make life bitter for those around.
Ultimately, "On the Rule of the Road" underscores that civilization is judged not by grand acts of heroism, but by the small, everyday courtesies and adherence to shared rules of conduct. These "little habits of commonplace intercourse" collectively contribute to a harmonious society. The essay serves as a reminder that personal liberty, when exercised without regard for others, can undermine the very fabric of social cohesion and lead to a state of individual isolation and societal disorder.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A.G. Gardiner wrote essays under which pseudonym?
(A) The Wanderer
(B) Alpha of the Plough
(C) The Silent Observer
(D) The Quill Master
Answer: (B)
2. The essay "On the Rule of the Road" primarily discusses the balance between:
(A) Wealth and poverty
(B) Individual liberty and social order
(C) Urban and rural life
(D) Law enforcement and crime
Answer: (B)
3. What was the old lady in Petrograd doing that caused confusion?
(A) Singing loudly
(B) Walking in the middle of the street
(C) Directing traffic
(D) Selling baskets
Answer: (B)
4. The old lady's response to being told to walk on the pavement was:
(A) "I apologize for the inconvenience."
(B) "I'm going to walk where I like. We've got liberty now."
(C) "I did not realize."
(D) "Thank you for the advice."
Answer: (B)
5. According to Gardiner, if liberty entitled everyone to walk down the middle of the road, the result would be:
(A) Perfect harmony
(B) Universal efficiency
(C) Universal chaos
(D) Enhanced individual rights
Answer: (C)
6. What does the policeman at Piccadilly Circus symbolize, according to Gardiner?
(A) Tyranny
(B) Oppression
(C) Liberty
(D) Restriction
Answer: (C)
7. Gardiner argues that the policeman interferes with your free use of the highway to:
(A) Assert his authority
(B) Ensure the liberty of all
(C) Cause inconvenience
(D) Display power
Answer: (B)
8. What is the author's analogy for someone wanting to play the trombone from midnight till three in the morning?
(A) Playing it on a crowded bus
(B) Playing it on the top of Everest
(C) Playing it in a concert hall
(D) Playing it in a church
Answer: (B)
9. What happens if someone plays the trombone in their bedroom or on the streets, according to the essay?
(A) They will receive applause.
(B) Their family and neighbors will object.
(C) They will be ignored.
(D) They will be encouraged.
Answer: (B)
10. "A reasonable consideration for the rights or feelings of others is the foundation of ______."
(A) Personal wealth
(B) Social conduct
(C) Political power
(D) Artistic expression
Answer: (B)
11. In which matters do we pass judgment upon ourselves and declare if we are civilized?
(A) Great moments of heroism
(B) Large financial dealings
(C) Small matters of conduct
(D) Significant scientific discoveries
Answer: (C)
12. What makes up the "great sum of life" and sweetens or makes bitter the journey?
(A) Grand sacrifices
(B) Political debates
(C) Little habits of commonplace intercourse
(D) Economic prosperity
Answer: (C)
13. What is the danger the world faces, similar to the old lady with the basket?
(A) Getting liberty-drunk
(B) Becoming too disciplined
(C) Losing all freedom
(D) Becoming too rigid
Answer: (A)
14. What cannot be regulated by law, according to Gardiner?
(A) The speed of cars
(B) The tone of one's voice
(C) Pedestrian pathways
(D) Traffic signals
Answer: (B)
15. If a rude passenger spoils the mood of a liftman, what is implied about ill-temper?
(A) It is isolated to one person.
(B) It is easily forgotten.
(C) It is infectious.
(D) It has no impact.
Answer: (C)
16. The essay suggests that our personal liberty of action becomes qualified by:
(A) Government regulations
(B) Other people's liberty
(C) Economic conditions
(D) Personal preferences
Answer: (B)
17. What is the ultimate consequence if individual liberty becomes "social anarchy"?
(A) Everyone would get everywhere faster.
(B) Nobody would get anywhere.
(C) There would be perfect order.
(D) Society would become more creative.
Answer: (B)
18. Gardiner implies that we are more conscious of the imperfections of others in what respect?
(A) Their financial status
(B) Their adherence to the rule of the road
(C) Their intellectual capabilities
(D) Their physical appearance
Answer: (B)
19. What is the "whole kingdom in which we rule alone"?
(A) Public spaces
(B) Our personal preferences and choices that do not affect others
(C) Political assemblies
(D) Professional environments
Answer: (B)
20. The essay argues that the "rule of the road" means that in order for the liberties of all to be preserved:
(A) Everyone's liberties must be expanded.
(B) Everyone's liberties must be curtailed.
(C) Only some people's liberties must be curtailed.
(D) Liberties are irrelevant.
Answer: (B)
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