As the spiritual leader of a brotherhood, Francis retranslated courtesy. Because all creation was interwoven, a divine family — a family that included even inanimate elements — each part of it deserved love and respect form another. He counseled his friars to be courteous to each other, to the poor, to people of every kind — and to all creation. After all, a courteous Creator gave us life; should we not show the same generosity by treating others, whether people or creatures, with reverence?

Wayne Simsic, Living the Wisdom of St. Francis