"Politeness is to human nature what warmth is to wax."
Arthur Schopenhauer
"Politeness is to human nature what warmth is to wax." - Arthur Schopenhauer is a metaphorical quote that illustrates the transformative and shaping power of politeness on human interactions and relationships. Here's an expanded explanation:
Transformative Power: Just as warmth softens wax, making it pliable and easy to shape, politeness has the power to soften and positively influence human behavior. Politeness can transform rigid or harsh interactions into more fluid and harmonious ones, fostering understanding and cooperation.
Malleability and Adaptability: Wax, when warmed, becomes malleable and can be molded into various forms. Similarly, politeness makes human nature more adaptable and flexible. It allows people to adjust their behavior and responses to suit different social situations, creating a more congenial and pleasant atmosphere.
Facilitating Positive Interactions: Warmth allows wax to bond and form cohesive structures. In the same way, politeness helps build and strengthen social bonds. By being polite, individuals can form stronger connections and create a sense of community and mutual respect.
Soothing and Calming Effect: Warmth has a calming effect on wax, preventing it from becoming brittle or breaking. Politeness acts as a social lubricant, easing tensions and reducing conflicts. It helps smooth over misunderstandings and creates a more relaxed and comfortable environment for interaction.
Intrinsic Value: Warmth brings out the best qualities in wax, highlighting its versatility and beauty. Politeness brings out the best in human nature, emphasizing qualities such as kindness, empathy, and respect. It enhances social interactions by highlighting these positive attributes.
Encouraging Positive Behavior: Just as warmth encourages wax to flow and take on new shapes, politeness encourages people to exhibit positive behaviors. It inspires acts of kindness, consideration, and courtesy, which in turn promote a more civil and cooperative society.
Creating Lasting Impressions: The shapes formed in warm wax can be lasting and intricate. Politeness leaves a lasting impression on people, shaping their perceptions and experiences. Polite interactions are often remembered and appreciated, contributing to lasting positive relationships.
In essence, Arthur Schopenhauer's quote highlights the essential role of politeness in human nature. It emphasizes how politeness, like warmth to wax, has a softening, transformative, and shaping effect on our interactions, fostering a more harmonious and cooperative social environment.
