On the nature of politeness - politeness often masks the truth by diluting it.

 

Conjectures of a recovering dilettante while traveling the road to Utopia.

What to say and how to say it has always been the problem.  To seek the polite way of communication, that is to speak with an acceptable voice that resonates with politeness and deference, is often the way of more timid. 

This may seem harsh to most, but I am amazed how many times we hide behind politeness.  Since politeness is considered a virtue, it becomes an insidious and convenient mask for the faint-hearted.

The obvious problem is that politeness often masks the truth by diluting it and making it palatable, and in so doing it makes the truth less attainable.  Once this habit of politeness takes root it helps to establish a belief system that seems very comfortable with its delusion of heroic qualities. 

The problem is the truth can only be masked so long, and if you are very lucky, it will finally appear in all of its glorious beauty.  For many, this is the beginning of their personal salvation.

 
Brother Giovanni

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