Pakistan, Oct. 20 -- Something important has slipped out of our public life, and it's not just money, electricity, or jobs, though those are often missing too. What has truly vanished is basic civility which is the simple art of treating others with respect, speaking kindly and showing patience. It's not a small thing. The way we treat one another shapes our daily lives more deeply than any policy or political slogan ever could.

Walk through a crowded market or a government office and you'll see what I mean. People shout instead of speaking, push instead of waiting and suspect each other before they trust. Traffic jams turn into shouting contests. Customer service feels like combat. Even classrooms, which were once safe places for curios...