In a competitive race I politely said “excuse me” to the opponent I was about to pass. There was a brief and awkward laughter between us– Who say’s excuse me when they’re trying to win a race?

I won that race. But, the common courtesy I extended in a moment that did not require it, has always stuck with me.

On the surface, what could possibly be wrong with extending politeness, in all situations? On a deeper level, what is sacrificed in the human experience when politeness overrides our ability to be who we are, in all situations?

There are a lot of polite people in this world. But, please excuse me– I’d prefer to see more people who made freedom their number one priority, rather than politeness.