Robert Greving on an Apostolate of Courtesy: Social Graces and Civilization
From HeightsCast: Forming Men Fully Alive by The Heights School
April 23, 2026 · 50 min
About this episode
Robert Greving discusses the importance of courtesy and social graces in saving civilization.
Saving civilization well may begin with eye contact, a tucked shirt, a sincere apology, or a held door. For the dispositions we have toward the little things truly train our sense of human dignity. In his new book, The Apostolate of Courtesy , middle school Latin and language arts teacher Rob Greving follows in the footsteps of St. Francis de Sales. His book offers a defense of civility for the sake of the soul, followed by a practical guide to many of life's social situations. From table manners to small talk to handling interruptions, our manner affects the temper of the world. And "when I have courtesy," Mr. Greving writes, "I am not lowering myself but raising myself to the dignity of Christ." Chapters: 2:10 Mr. Greving's influences 5:46 Courtesy and civilization 10:53 The medium of apologetics: us! 13:56 St. Francis de Sales: the gentleman saint 19:09 Manners at home 26:05 Handling interruptions well 31:24 Parents and teachers as the example 39:28 The art of apology 42:37 Courtesy in the classroom Links: The Apostolate of Courtesy: How to Save Souls and Change the World through the Power of Manners by Robert Greving Introduction to the Devout Life by Francis de Sales…
People in this episode
Host: The Heights School
Guest: Robert Greving
Topics covered
- courtesy
- civilization
- social graces
- apologetics
- manners
- education
Keywords
- courtesy
- social graces
- civilization
- manners
- apology
- education
- St. Francis de Sales
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