On the Importance of Saying ‘Please’
Life Survival Guide
In the annals of history, nestled between the invention of the wheel and the discovery that fire could do more than just burn down your neighbor’s thatched hut, lies the birth of the word “please.” This monumental event, sadly underrepresented in most historical texts, marks the beginning of civilized begging. It’s a word that has shaped empires, calmed raging spouses, and occasionally convinced a cat to move off your keyboard. Today, we embark on a journey to uncover the historical origins of “please,” its critical importance in modern society, and its typical use cases, all while navigating the treacherous waters of dry humor.
The Historical Origins of “Please”
Historians, in their infinite wisdom, have traced the origin of “please” back to a time when communication was primarily grunts and the occasional pointed stick. Early man discovered that grunting with a slightly higher pitch and offering a handful of berries could increase the chances of not being clubbed to death. This primitive “please” was revolutionary. It marked the dawn of polite society and the realization that manners could be a matter of life and death.
Fast forward a few millennia, and “please” had evolved into a powerful tool in the medieval court. It became the difference between getting the king’s favor and getting a one-way ticket to the guillotine. Notably, the phrase “if it pleases the court” was less a question of whether the court was actually pleased and more a polite way of saying, “I’d rather not lose my head today, thank you very much.”
The Importance of Saying “Please”
In contemporary society, “please” serves as the grease in the gears of social interaction. Its importance cannot be overstated. Without “please,” the fabric of civility would unravel, leading to a world where asking someone to pass the salt at dinner could result in a duel. It’s the magical word that softens requests, turns demands into favors, and, on rare occasions, convinces the barista to add an extra shot of espresso for free.
To say “please” is to acknowledge the other person’s ability to deny your request, thereby admitting your own vulnerability. It’s a subtle nod to the social contract that says, “I recognize you are a human being and not an automated request-fulfilling machine. Also, I would very much appreciate it if you didn’t spit in my soup.”
Typical Use Cases
The use cases for “please” are as varied as they are numerous. It is the Swiss Army knife of words, useful in almost any situation involving human interaction. Here are a few scenarios where “please” can be your best friend:
- At the coffee shop: “Could I please have a latte?” This simple addition transforms you from a caffeine-deprived gremlin into a model customer.
- During a bank robbery: “Please put the money in the bag.” While not guaranteed to improve outcomes, it certainly adds a touch of class to the proceedings.
- While attempting to get your cat to move: “Please move, Fluffy.” Note: success rates may vary, often resulting in the cat staring at you with disdain before settling in more comfortably.
Conclusion
“Please” is the cornerstone upon which polite society is built. It’s a word that carries the weight of history, the potential to alter outcomes, and the power to make our interactions slightly less barbaric. So, the next time you’re tempted to omit “please” from your request, remember: civilizations have risen and fallen on less. Plus, it’s the easiest way to ensure you’re not the main character in a cautionary tale about manners gone awry.
