Yeah BranShea, Schopenhauer 1788-1860, said some neat stuff for his day. The trouble with the veneration of that which has gone before is that it's seeming profundity intimidates the young who then tend to quote rather than think.

For example today we who do think understand that words of philosophy must fit into a framework based on hard science.

For example, remember Socrates who said to the effect...

The essence of a thing is the thing's function and this function will direct the thinking enquirer towards the purpose of the thing.

So: The occasion of ritualistic polite behavior in human beings serves as a cultural cohesive which helps the breeding group in its collective desire to continue through time.

In essence politeness is this and nothing more.

Last edited by themilum; 11/25/2006 2:53 AM.