It starts when you begin to overlook good manners. Any time you quit hearing Sir and Mam the end is pretty much in sight...
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.
