Society, Belief And Equality (1)

Altering ones' style and language to suit different people at different times is by far a great developmental asset. The pseudo-belief in equality - the idea that talking and acting the same way with everyone, no matter their rank, makes us somehow a paragon of civilization - is a terrible mistake. That said, it is not an entirely bad thing to have a distinct aura about one's self, but if a person decides to be blunt and straight forward all the time; those below them might take it as a form of condescension, while those above them will be offended, though they may not admit it.
It is a necessity thus, to be master in the art of subtlety when relating with others in our society. Subtlety stands in for the sake of individuals who are not able to completely alter their persona at will. But for those willing, changing your style and way of speaking to suit each individual differently, is always worth the effort.
Never should we assume that our criteria for behaviour and judgement are universal. Adapting to different cultures and traditions is the highest form of civility one can possess, it also puts us at an advantage.

It is a wise thing to be polite; consequently, it is a stupid thing to be rude. To make enemies by unnecessary and willful incivility, is just as insane a proceeding as to set your house on fire. For politeness is like a counter - an avowedly false coin, with which it is foolish to be stingy. A sensible man will be generous in the use of it...Wax, a substance naturally hard and brittle, can be made soft by the application of a little warmth, so that it will take any shape you please. In the same way, by being polite and friendly, you can make people pliable and obliging, even though they are apt to be crabbed and malevolent. Hence politeness is to human nature what warmth is to wax. (ARTHUR SCHOPENHAUER, 1788-1860)

Now, there are those with whom civility have no effect. Not everyone is adept at being open to politeness; for as little warmth softens wax, it has no effect on metal. To soften metal, one must apply intense heat which in itself can be dangerous without bodily protection. It is now also necessary that we know whom is wax and whom is metal.