CHAPTER 8 – Slouch

Chapter 8 of “Worldly Ways and Byways” addresses the pervasive issue of slouch or general untidiness and lack of pride in one’s appearance and surroundings in America, contrasting it significantly with the tidiness and pride observed in the people and places of Europe. The author passionately advocates for a cultural shift towards neatness and self-respect, suggesting that this change should begin in schools and extend to all public spaces and professions. Through anecdotes and observations, the author paints a vivid picture of the slouching postures, unkempt attire, and lack of enthusiasm among various Americans, from cab drivers to elevator boys and even senators, revealing a national peculiarity that seems to conflict with the American spirit of dash and enterprise.

The text suggests that this neglect in personal and environmental tidiness might be rooted in the lack of compulsory military service in America, which, in other countries, serves as a means to instill discipline, cleanliness, and manners in young men. The author reminisces about a conversation with a French statesman who highlighted the personal and societal benefits of military service, implying that perhaps America misses out on an opportunity for character building in its youth.

The author observes that this tendency towards slouch affects not just individuals but also the environment, drawing attention to the disheveled state of farmhouses and the lack of care for public and private spaces. Even attempts by railway and steam-boat systems to elevate the appearance of their employees through uniforms have been unsuccessful in combating this inherent tendency.

The chapter concludes with a poignant comparison of the neglected mosque in the Orient to the state of disrepair and abandonment seen in American infrastructure and buildings once their initial construction is completed. This analogy underscores a broader cultural issue of neglect and a lack of continuity in care and maintenance that extends beyond personal appearance to encompass the nation’s buildings and public spaces, suggesting a deep-seated resistance to maintenance and improvement. The author’s observations offer a scathing critique of American slovenliness, challenging readers to reconsider the values of neatness, pride, and civic responsibility in shaping the character of a nation and its people.