Courtesy Cost Nothing But Buys Everything

Name : Alya Damia binti Mohammad Izwan

Courtesy cost nothing but buys everything.

"Courtesy costs nothing but buys everything" is an infamous proverb. To benefit from a
saying is easy, but implementing it today in our current dire situation is challenging. Courtesy
costs nothing but buys everything holds a significant meaning that itself is beauty if everyone
implements it to the child or even themself. The definition of it can be interpreted as gentle nor
polite behaviour in communicating and dealing with people in our daily life situations as soft
as saying, "Hi, how are you doing?" to our actions toward others. But in today's world, how
can the "Courtesy costs nothing but buys everything" proverb be of use to our society, and how
can it reflects nor be implemented in today's situation. As bad as the Covid-19 situation is going
on, our morale boost must be more significant than today's negativity. As the frontline workers
struggling and fighting in those tight and hot Personal Protective Equipment(PPE), not to
forget, those who are still working to maintain order during this pandemic are indeed in need
of moral supports and a smile that can light up their day. How can this proverb and in what
way and how can this proverb be significant to us during tight and gloomy days today?

Being nice is a blessing to others, and it is free! Living in this current situation where
everyone is tired, it is sad to see, but we can help each other throughout these trials together as
a community. Like a Malay's proverb that sounded like "Bersatu Teguh Bercerai Roboh",
where it delivers the meaning of together we stand, divided we fall. Today, we can help each
other in many ways by looking out for each other either physically or mentally. As we already
know, today's world is so gloomy, impacting someone's mental and physical badly. As the
cases of Covid-19 arise, so does the suicide rate in our country. "Malaysia sees rise in suicides
and calls to helplines amid Covid-19 pandemic" is the main headline from The Straits Time
online news, An arising issue and heart-breaking content for the readers to read. What more
could we ask other than the stability, happiness and feelings of having someone besides us in
this dire time.

Thus, we as a community need to turn over a new leaf and keeps our eyes open for people
in need of help. We never know how many people are struggling around us as they might not
tell their struggles, but sometimes, if we ask, then maybe they will open up. Words and mouth
can be silenced, but eyes and heart cannot be muted, feelings often bottled up, but when people
are pushed to the limit, we have to come in to help them. How and why we are supposed to
help them? Because Malaysia is a diverse community with solid unity and different
backgrounds and cultures, we are stronger together. "Courtesy costs nothing but buys
everything" is indeed a proverb that we Malaysian are popular with. Not to boast, but Malaysian
people are lovely and always giving out helping hands in this pandemic. During pandemic,
many people voluntarily working at vaccination centres in terms of receiving nothing such as
payment. Not to forget, people who are struggling are so blessed with many Non-government
officials who come in aid. According to The Star online news, the main headline proves how
most Malaysians are implementing the proverb of "Courtesy costs nothing but buys
everything" where the title is "NGOs, volunteers step forward to help ease Covid-19
vaccination process for the public" and on a blog named KLOOK a trending hashtag to help
fellow Malaysians in needs are blowing up through the internet. The hashtag "#BenderaPutih"
mean white flag, where the Non-government officials and charities help people in need by
giving out food and essentials.

In tough times we often think of survivability. Still, sometimes the heroes we need do
not wear a cape. The heroes we have today is the people themselves. The people who extend
hands to others during a tight situation is the heroes who bring smiles upon the one in need and
the heroes who save people while certain people seldom themselves during a critical hour.
Indeed one’s heart is shown when the time is needed, and there is no hesitation in helping
others as long as we are capable of doing it. Lighting someone’s day is also a form of giving.
From an Islamic perspective, smile’s is a form of charity, but it is not about religion as it is
about people themselves, the honest heart of giving others happiness. Sometimes happiness is
shareable through the tiniest effort that we can provide. In my opinion, Malaysia’s standing of
diversity is indeed an honourable mention of courtesy as we are standing together during this
time. A standing of togetherness in a critical state.

In my personal experiences, there are always good people who cherish the proverb of
“Courtesy costs nothing but buys everything”, the closest example that all of us can experience
is by living in the diverse community in our country, despite having differences in cultures,
background and religion, we are united under the same name which is Malaysian, and all of us
speak the same national language which is the Malay language. But how can unity show the
effectiveness of adaptation of the proverb in our country? In my point of view by having unity
and growing up with friends with different cultures make me aware that our community is
always ready to extend help to each other whether you are Malay, Chinese, Indian, Sikhs or
even the aborigines.

To sum up the idea of “courtesy costs nothing but buys everything”, it is clearly seen
that the proverb is indeed a brilliant proverb that provides a pleasing manner that everyone has
to adapt and normalise in today’s situation. Even after and before the pandemic, we must look
into this proverb and take the good sides of it into our daily life.