The world is harsh, cruel, cold, unforgiving - and yet from time to time small, random acts of kindness and graciousness can brighten up the entire day.

Manners - whether civility, graciousness, courtliness - are largely ignored, lost or scoffed at in this modern age, so much so that what should be default has become a rarity. Opening doors, carrying heavy bags, helping to carry a stroller up steps, walking on the outer side of the pavement.

Saying please and thank you to all and sundry, from bellboy to waitress. Noticing and anticipating. Being thoughtful. Putting others ahead of self.

Have you made the world a little less cold today?

Note: Scott Schuman, author of The Sartorialist, shared his desire to be a "more graceful man for my graceful woman". Wonderfully inspiring and something I want to emulate - not to any particular person but to the world at large.