4.Conservatism and Temperament

The British people are usually considered rather conservative.Their conservative attitude usually includes two aspects：an acceptance of things that are familiar，and an inclination to be suspicious of anything that is strange or foreign.For example，if you suggested to an English keeper of a petrol filling station that it would be a good idea to keep a stack of pieces of paper to wipe the dipsticks of cars，used for measuring the engine-oil，he might show an appearance of incomprehension and obstinate hostility，as he brought from his pocket the same old filthy rag which he used for this purpose，ten or twenty times every hour，day after day.In much the same way most English people have been slow to adopt rational reforms such as the metric system.They suffered inconvenience from adhering to old ways，because they did not want the trouble of adapting themselves to new.On Feb.15，1971the new decimal currency came into use in Britain.Shillings disappeared and the pound is divided into 100pence.There are six new coins：penny，2pence，5pence，10 pence，20pence and 50pence，but the pound note and the five-pound note remain the same.This was the first step to complete metrication.At present the metrication of weights and measurements are widely used in Britain，but in some shops，measurements are still given in inches，feet and yards as well as in centimeters and meters.Temperatures are now measured in Centigrade as well as Fahrenheit.Most garages do now provide dipstick papers and dispose of them in a civilized way.

English people tend to be hostile，or at least bored，when they hear any suggestion that some modification of their habits，or the introduction of something new and unknown into their lives，might be to their advantage.This conservatism，on a national scale，may be illustrated by reference to the public attitude to the monarchy，an institution which is held in affection and reverence by nearly all English people.

Apart from the conservatism on a grand scale，England is full of small-scale and local conservatism，some of them of a highly individual or particular character.Regiments in the army，municipal corporations，schools and societies have their own private traditions and customs which they are very reluctant to change，and they like to think of their private customs and differentiating them as groups，from the rest of the world.

Modern methods of cooking，by electricity or gas，were accepted long ago，and few people would now favor the old type of coal-fired grate.For the business of heating houses many English people remain strongly attached to the open coal fire，although it causes a great deal of work and adds to the pollution of air，and sometimes pours smoke into the room which it is heating.Many English people thought that a living room without a fireplace would be a room without the basic character of coziness.Many rooms are in fact heated by gas or electric fires，but many people choose electric fires designed so as to look like coal fires，with imitation pieces of coal that are lit when the current is turned on.

Self-control，the quality of not being excited，not losing one’s temper，is extraordinarily highly valued in Britain.Quarrelsomeness，violence，truculence，trouble-making—these are profoundly taboo.Historically British people are a hot-tempered，touchy，warlike，rough，and rather brutal people，and they continued to remain these characters until a fairly recent period of history.Having settled for a more civilized way of life，the English gradually established their habits of gentleness and consideration.The pub can be cited as a fine example to show the English character of gentleness and self-control.For many people，it is a kind of club，where one can relax，talk with friends，listen to music，play games and enjoy drinking and eating.The main drink served in pubs is beer，light or dark，and of course，most pubs sell all kinds of alcohol，from whisky to wine.The traditional opening times of pubs（10am—2pm，5pm—11pm）are now somewhat dated.Most pubs in Britain are now what they call‘chain pubs’（meaning they are not privately owned but instead belong to large national chains，such as Walkabout and Witherspoon）and many of these stay open from around 10am to 11or 12pm without a break in the middle.Premises can now apply for‘late licenses’which allow them to stay open for as long as they want，a few stay open 24-hours.Children under 16are not admitted to a pub，although they may sit outside with adults in the garden of the pub.Children under 18may not buy or drink alcohol.The pub represents pleasure with control and in good taste.

This control is exemplified in English humor.Most Americans find nothing funny in English comedy shows，since English humor is word oriented while American humor is more action oriented.The same control that is found in English pubs and humor is also found in the English pace of living.The quiet queue for buses is usually cited to show the English spirit of control and patience.

The English people had a reputation for being cold and reserved，although in recent years there appeared some changes in this respect.The English hardly greeted each other，though they might know one another.There is little gossip in public places.If you took on an English train you would find most passengers sat reading newspapers.Not a word was spoken.

English people rarely shake hands except when being introduced to someone for the first time.They hardly ever shake hands with their friends except when seeing them after a long interval or saying goodbye before a long journey.They also use their hands less when talking.