As we get older, life becomes increasingly difficult, and we frequently forget to be compassionate to others around us because we are focused on our personal difficulties. When was the last time you said ‘please’ or ‘thank you’ to someone? If you can’t remember anything, you’re not alone. A barista at CUPS Coffee and Tea became enraged when he realized that fewer and fewer people used these phrases, so he decided to post a sign in front of his business to maybe encourage customers to be more courteous.

Customers see the sign and know that using the magic words’ will not cost them anything, but it will save them money.

However, it also causes them to reflect more deeply on the significance of treating others with respect and kindness. That person who makes your first cup of coffee had to get up quite early in the morning so you could enjoy it.

The problem is that we have grown self-centered and have lost sight of the value of others’ efforts and sacrifices.

“I decided, because I need to solve all the injustices of the world,” Austin, the barista who came up with the clever idea, told WDBJ7, “to start charging more for people who didn’t take the time to say hello and connect and realize we’re all people behind the counter.”

His placard drew the attention of several passersby, and someone evidently decided it was worth publishing on Facebook. Austin’s sign quickly went viral, and many admired this barista’s genius.