Reputation

Cow has been reading "The Making of Revolutionary Paris" by the Australian researcher David Garrioch. Excerpts:

"Limited leisure time was spent with neighbors...the narrow streets were shared spaces where groups of men played bowls and skittles; women sat with their sewing, children ran free. On Sundays and evenings couples and families strolled the streets of their quarter.

It was a neighborhood obligation to exchange greetings each day, to observe rules of politeness that created a pretence of equality between people of different conditions and levels of affluence. The poor widow, living in a fifth floor attic room, the journeyman; the servant girl: all merited the polite greeting of "Monsieur" or "Madame."

Above all, local reputation and honor was a source of self-esteem. The respect of the neighborhood made life tolerable, despite its uncertainties, despite abject dependence and often grinding poverty."

Thoughts: in only fifty years, this entire life rhythm has been changed by television. Going 'out' for all entertainment is no longer required.

As for local reputation and honor...perhaps the internet has stepped in to provide feedback on others, at least on a national level. But it is a poor substitute for neighborhood knowledge of local businessmen and neighbors.

Moo!