Quote:
Praise, flattery, exaggerated manners and find high-sounding words were not part of Lakota politeness. Excessive manners were put down as insincere, and the constant talker was considered rude and thoughtless. Conversation was never begun at once, or in a hurried manner. No one was quick with a question, no matter how important, and no one was pressed for an answer. A pause giving time for thought was the truly courteous way of beginning and conducting a conversation.
--Chief Luther Standing Bear
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Why "no matter how important" - nobody was in a hurry ? Because they knew they were mortal. "Nothing matters" So - instead of acting like us (savages, afraid of everything, hiding from the fact that one day we will die, inferior - because we live in our box and we can't "grow up" in a box) - they acted - like "civilized" people. The same thing we can say about the Japanese and their behavior. "Form" before "content" ? The thing is, their "form" was not false. It was - the real exterior of the content. They were polite - because that's how they were. Not because they lied.
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REMARKS CONCERNING THE SAVAGES OF NORTH-AMERICA
Quote:
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The politeness of these savages in conversation is indeed carried to excess, since it does not permit them to contradict or deny the Truth of what is asserted in their Presence. By this means they indeed avoid Disputes, but then it becomes difficult to know their Minds, or what Impression you make upon them.
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- it's almost like this quote is about the Japanese.
There, now "discuss"
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One day there will be so many houses, that people will be bored and will go live in tents. "Why are you living in tents ? Are there not enough houses ?" "Yes there are, but we play this Economy game"