The Laws of Etiquette

Exploring the evolution of societal formalities, the text examines how these customs were initially designed to enhance social interactions and overall happiness. However, when taken to extremes, they can hinder enjoyment and foster annoyance, particularly in the context of Chinese society, where rigid civility often becomes burdensome. The author references De Marcy's observations on the Chinese government's efforts to maintain a culture of politeness, highlighting the delicate balance between courtesy and personal freedom in social exchanges.