--- title: Why Common Courtesy Still Matters in a Self-Obsessed World description: Explore the history of common courtesy, its societal impact, and the risks of losing it in today’s self-obsessed world. image: https://yannsomou.com/hubfs/DALL%C2%B7E%202025-01-18%2016.24.15%20-%20An%20image%20focusing%20on%20a%20single%2c%20heartwarming%20interaction%20on%20public%20transport.%20A%20younger%20person%20is%20standing%20up%20and%20offering%20their%20seat%20to%20an%20elderly%20ind.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://yannsomou.com/blog-lifes-too-short-for-idiocy/why-common-courtesy-still-matters#main-content) [![Yann Somou written in white in idiot font on black background](https://yannsomou.com/hs-fs/hubfs/YannSomou%20Logo%20circle.jpg?width=300&height=300&name=YannSomou%20Logo%20circle.jpg)Homepage](https://yannsomou.com) - [Home](https://yannsomou.com) - [Books](https://yannsomou.com/127-reasons-why-you-are-an-idiot-the-book) - [Blog](https://yannsomou.com/blog-lifes-too-short-for-idiocy) - [About](https://yannsomou.com/about) - [Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/2gyivGhGg0nFAErAGIis17?si=a875722961ab4e58) [THE IDIOT REPORT](https://34705fc4.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAB68hohKsAIGs1ZLbVCZec7iCncnAnT9NPu7Sp-J2EWAVD4FWajtJ8WeFr2-3KedaqLR1cUK8cE1NwpN1eVsuNvAisIb8JZkMy1OVDNJue-9haGdp5BUPuAxXciM_mpH5SGhrNOu1A3D_rztEoMshoVKTnGD21rJVs-CwcvpFoVpGekdxEfFQiLI63yN4oyQwlgGqD6Kuwdd) - [Home](https://yannsomou.com) - [Books](https://yannsomou.com/127-reasons-why-you-are-an-idiot-the-book) - [Blog](https://yannsomou.com/blog-lifes-too-short-for-idiocy) - [About](https://yannsomou.com/about) - [Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/2gyivGhGg0nFAErAGIis17?si=a875722961ab4e58) [THE IDIOT REPORT](https://34705fc4.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAB68hohKsAIGs1ZLbVCZec7iCncnAnT9NPu7Sp-J2EWAVD4FWajtJ8WeFr2-3KedaqLR1cUK8cE1NwpN1eVsuNvAisIb8JZkMy1OVDNJue-9haGdp5BUPuAxXciM_mpH5SGhrNOu1A3D_rztEoMshoVKTnGD21rJVs-CwcvpFoVpGekdxEfFQiLI63yN4oyQwlgGqD6Kuwdd) ![](https://yannsomou.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DALL%C2%B7E%202025-01-18%2016.24.15%20-%20An%20image%20focusing%20on%20a%20single%2c%20heartwarming%20interaction%20on%20public%20transport.%20A%20younger%20person%20is%20standing%20up%20and%20offering%20their%20seat%20to%20an%20elderly%20ind.jpg?width=1792&height=1024&name=DALL%C2%B7E%202025-01-18%2016.24.15%20-%20An%20image%20focusing%20on%20a%20single%2c%20heartwarming%20interaction%20on%20public%20transport.%20A%20younger%20person%20is%20standing%20up%20and%20offering%20their%20seat%20to%20an%20elderly%20ind.jpg) # Why Common Courtesy Still Matters in a Self-Obsessed World ![Yann Somou](https://7528315.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528315/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-cms-elevate-theme_hubspot/elevate/images/avatar-placeholder.jpg?width=48&height=48&name=avatar-placeholder.jpg) Yann Somou 18 January 2025 ## **The State of Courtesy Today** Somewhere between the advent of smartphones and the rise of individualism, [we lost the art of common courtesy](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/missing-splash-signals-th_b_756953). Holding doors open, saying “thank you,” and acknowledging the existence of another human being seem to have become optional. And let’s not even talk about people who cut queues. But is this [decline in everyday politeness](https://www.yannsomou.com/lack-of-manners-politeness-dying-art) just a symptom of modern life, or are we witnessing the slow death of an essential social glue? To understand why courtesy still matters, we need to dig deeper. What exactly is common courtesy? Where did it come from? And what happens when we stop caring about it? ### **What Is Common Courtesy? The Basics We Take for Granted** [At its core, common courtesy is the art of not being a jerk](https://elementummoney.com/importance-of-courtesy/). It’s a collection of unwritten rules that help us coexist peacefully. From respecting personal space to acknowledging others’ efforts with a “thank you,” courtesy is about showing that we’re aware of and care about those around us. These small acts might seem insignificant, but their absence creates a ripple effect. A world without courtesy is one where misunderstandings escalate into arguments and minor inconveniences snowball into major frustrations. ### **The Origins of Courtesy: A Brief History** The [concept of courtesy is ancient](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etiquette). Early civilizations like those in Mesopotamia and Egypt established behavioral norms to maintain order. Confucius, the ultimate etiquette influencer, preached the value of respect and humility over 2,500 years ago. In medieval Europe, the chivalric code formalized courtesy as a social expectation, especially among knights. Even the Victorian era, with its over-the-top rules of politeness, had the right idea: civility is a foundation for functioning communities. These practices evolved alongside societies, shaping interactions to promote harmony. Courtesy wasn’t just about being “nice” – it was a tool for survival in a world where cooperation meant the difference between thriving and chaos. ### **Why Common Courtesy Became a Social Necessity** So, why did people decide to stop clubbing each other and start saying “please”? The answer is simple: it made life better. Politeness helped reduce friction in daily interactions, fostered trust among strangers, and created a sense of shared responsibility. Think about it. Without basic manners, even simple activities like boarding a bus or sharing public spaces would turn into battlegrounds. Courtesy is the grease that keeps the gears of society running smoothly. ### **The Cost of Ignoring Courtesy: Risks of a Self-Obsessed World** Today, common courtesy is under siege. Technology allows us to live in bubbles of convenience, where human interaction feels optional. Social media prioritizes hot takes over measured responses, and individualism often overrides community. The risks of this trend are clear: - **Increased Conflict:** Without basic politeness, misunderstandings escalate quickly. - **Erosion of Empathy:** When we stop acknowledging others, we stop seeing their humanity. - **Social Fragmentation:** Courtesy reminds us that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. Its absence creates a world of isolated individuals rather than cohesive communities. ### **Can Courtesy Make a Comeback?** The good news? Common courtesy isn’t dead – it’s just in a coma. Reviving it doesn’t require grand gestures; it starts with small, intentional acts. Teach kids the value of a simple “please” and “thank you.” Lead by example in public spaces. And for the love of humanity, put your phone down when you’re talking to someone. Even in a self-obsessed world, courtesy has the power to bring us closer together. After all, it’s a lot harder to be a jerk when everyone else is being decent. ### **Conclusion: Why You Should Care About Courtesy** In a world where chaos feels like the default, common courtesy is the closest thing we have to a superpower. It’s the easiest way to make life better – for yourself and everyone around you. So, care about courtesy. Not because it’s trendy, but because it’s essential. And if you don’t? Well, you’re basically proving why this blog post exists in the first place. Idiot. --- #### Enjoying the blog? Why not grab a copy of the book that ties it all together, [*127 Reasons Why You Are An Idiot*](https://yannsomou.com/127-reasons-why-you-are-an-idiot-the-book)! Chock full of 127 hilarious, sweary, sarcastic, hard-hitting rants about everyday things that everyday idiots do, with quasi-serious, tongue-in-cheek exercises to help idiots be less idiotic.   [![3D image of the book 127 Reasons Why You Are An Idiot by Yann Somou, shown as both a physical paperback and a digital tablet version. The cover features a black-and-white photo of the author with arms crossed, looking unimpressed. Subtitle reads: 'And How To Be Less... 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