Thirty years ago at Osaka's Marubiru subway station, my friend tossed a cigarette pack onto the spotless platform. A Japanese guy picked it up, and dropped it in the bin. No anger, no lecture. Just a bow, and smile. Dignity in action. That moment changed how I see the world.
Civic sense isn't just following rules. It's about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Without it, we will see litter on streets, spitting in public, shouting in quiet zones, jumping queues. These aren't just annoyances. They're symptoms of a mindset that erodes the quality of life for everyone.
Think of civic sense as your seventh sense. It guides how you use your other six: Sight, Sound, Smell, Touch, Taste, and Intuition. It whispers: “We’re in this together.” The simple idea that our convenience should not become someone else's inconvenience.
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A sharp civic sense means:
* Seeing litter and picking it up, even when it's not yours
* Hearing the need for silence and choosing to preserve it
* Smelling the stench of neglect in public spaces and taking action
* Touching public property with the same care as your own
* Tasting the quiet joy of order and respect
* Feeling the impact of our actions, even when no one’s watching.
Why is it fading?
Apathy. Weak enforcement. Cultural blind spots. The “me-first” mindset. The tragedy of the commons: “It’s not my problem, so why care?”
How do we build it back?
* Lead by example. Action is more persuasive than preaching.
* Try the 10-second rule: if a good deed takes 10 seconds, do it
* Be kind. Even digital spaces are shared spaces
Civic sense isn't a burden or sacrifice. It's a superpower that makes daily life cleaner, kinder, and more joyful - not just for others, but for you too.
Start small. Choose "we" over "me."
Watch the ripple of positivity it creates.
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