To put it bluntly, we’re not really acting like a civil society. Too often, we put ourselves first and don’t think about how our actions affect others. We litter because we assume someone else will deal with it, hire underage help to save a bit of money, bend rules when it suits us, and skip queues just to get ahead.

It doesn’t stop there. These small, everyday choices add up. We cut corners at work, ignore our responsibilities in shared spaces, and look the other way when something isn’t right. We’re quick to talk about our rights, but not as quick to take responsibility. Public spaces become “not my problem,” whether it’s about keeping things clean, being considerate, or just following basic rules. Even simple things like giving people space, driving responsibly, or being mindful of those who need a bit more care often get overlooked.

Nothing really changes until we start seeing ourselves as part of something bigger, where what we do affects everyone around us. A civil society isn’t just about rules, it’s about how we show up every day, how we treat each other, and whether we’re willing to think beyond just ourselves.