Some people view being polite as a necessary hypocrisy to achieve their ends. They see civility or amiability as a means to get whatever they want. To be polite is to suck-up ... or be an ass-kisser. I think more along lines of Schopenhauer who said, "Politeness is to human nature what warmth is to wax."
Being polite does take considered thought, of course. To me, politeness and thoughtfulness indicate a healthy emotional intelligence. Over time, acts of courtesy becomes ingrained. I think these character traits stand at the summit of what it means to be sincerely human.
Within the elemental decency of consideration
the light of virtue shines.
The grace of courtesy is a service,
a breath of fresh air,
a keystone of culture.
Courtesy asks but a moment's thought
to smooth the jagged edges of life.
Whoever sows consideration garners respect--
harvests honor and friendship--
as this wheel of life turns upon itself.
