One of the things that hold together a human society is the

Hear the words of Yair Lapid, who declared: “One of the things that hold together a human society is the existence of basic politeness among its members.” These words, though simple, strike deep into the foundation of human life. For great civilizations are not sustained only by laws, nor by armies, nor by treasures of gold and silver, but by the unseen fabric of courtesy, respect, and mutual regard. Politeness may seem a small thing, a mere formality of speech or gesture, yet it is in truth a mighty glue that binds hearts together and prevents society from falling into chaos.

The ancients, too, understood this truth. In the courts of kings, in the assemblies of Athens, in the councils of Rome, men bowed, greeted, and gave honor in word and deed. To do so was not empty ritual, but recognition of shared humanity. Where politeness was forgotten, insult and rage festered, and soon came quarrel, bloodshed, and the breaking of bonds. Thus the wise taught that manners are not trifles, but the very oil by which the machinery of society turns without grinding itself to pieces.

Consider the fall of the French monarchy. Long before the storming of the Bastille, bitterness grew in the hearts of the people, not only because of hunger and tax, but because they felt scorned, dismissed, treated with disdain by their rulers. Had there been even the appearance of respect, even the politeness of listening to the cries of the poor, perhaps the fury might have been lessened. But where contempt ruled, anger grew into fire. Thus history shows that neglect of even “small courtesies” can unravel an entire society.

Yet history also gives us the opposite. In Japan, the tradition of bowing, of careful speech, of showing consideration even to strangers, has for centuries preserved harmony in a land often shaken by disaster and war. Politeness there is not decoration, but foundation. It reflects the belief that each human being, regardless of station, is owed dignity. And though storms have struck, though earthquakes have shattered cities, the nation has held together through the invisible strength of courtesy among its members.

O child of tomorrow, take this lesson to heart: politeness is not weakness, nor is it hypocrisy. It is the daily offering of respect that acknowledges another’s worth. It is the recognition that every person, whether king or beggar, shares in the dignity of life. To live without politeness is to live in arrogance, and arrogance is the seed of strife. But to live with courtesy is to build bridges where walls might have risen, to soften anger before it hardens into hatred, and to strengthen the bonds that make society endure.

Let your spirit be disciplined, then, in small things. Greet others with kindness. Listen when they speak. Offer gratitude where it is due. Resist the temptation to wound with words or to dismiss with silence. These gestures may seem minor, but they are the unseen pillars that hold up the house of community. Without them, the roof collapses; with them, even the weak beams of human frailty can support the weight of life together.

In practice, carry this into your daily life. Begin each day with mindful courtesy, not only to those you love but also to strangers. Teach children that “please” and “thank you” are not empty phrases, but seeds of peace. Support leaders who speak with respect, for their tone shapes the culture of the people. And above all, remember that every act of politeness is a brick in the wall of a stronger, gentler, and more enduring society.

So I say unto you: heed Lapid’s wisdom. Do not despise the small courtesies, for they are in truth mighty. Politeness is the bond that holds men together when law cannot reach, the shield that prevents quarrel from turning to violence, the balm that heals the wounds of pride. Guard it, practice it, and teach it—for in its quiet strength lies the survival of every society and the hope of a better world.