Flavio's notes & aphorisms
On Politeness
What is politeness, then? It is to speak the truth without being insensitive, to restrain one’s impulses where appropriate, and to observe the norms of society without being defined by them. Politeness is “power in repose”, a fine understanding of what brings us together, and an understanding of our own role in human ecology.
Modern society is an inorganic mixture of individuals, thrown together more often than not by the harsh necessities of making a living. Without politeness and love of humanity, daily living becomes a mire of frustrations and petty revenges.