The quote from Cormac McCarthy's "No Country for Old Men" suggests that the decline of societal values begins when basic etiquette is disregarded. The author implies that a lack of respect in communication, such as no longer using terms like "Sir" and "Ma'am," signals an impending deterioration of civility and order within a community.
This reflection underscores a broader theme concerning the loss of traditional values and the moral decay that can occur in society. It highlights how seemingly small acts of politeness can be indicative of a larger cultural shift toward chaos and discord.