The Demon of Politeness and the Angel of Rudeness

The Demon of Politeness and the Angel of Rudeness

 

On the first day of class, I tell my students, “Sometimes I will be talking, and a small point will puzzle you. Then a demon and an angel will appear on your shoulders. The Demon of Politeness will say, ‘Don’t ask! You’ll only look foolish. All these other people aren’t asking, so they must know. Besides, it’s bound to clear up later.’ The Demon of Politeness is lying! Meanwhile, the Angel of Rudeness will be saying, ‘ASK! ASK! ASK!’ Listen to the Angel of Rudeness! Rest assured that when you do ask, at least a half-dozen other people in this room will silently thank you!”