In this episode, I look at how problems of open discussion in anonymous cities led to the creation of an idea of politeness. This was good because it let people talk freely with strangers and people of different ideas without devolving into rancor, violence and civil war. I think it's an important part of Western society.Book list:Donna Andrew, the Aristocratic VicePhilip Carter, Men and the Emergence of Polite SocietyJohn Kasson Rudeness and Civility