"Yet norms of civility also had another, more positive function. In an age in which religious, cultural and political passions were even more extreme than in ou

"Yet norms of civility also had another, more positive function. In an age in which religious, cultural and political passions were even more extreme than in our own, they enabled people to overcome deeply rooted and potentially dangerous differences, to live harmoniously side by side, and to discourse with one another without rancour, violence or abuse. Ultimately for Thomas this is their more important and enduring purpose, as “restraint, tolerance and mutual understanding” are the necessary preconditions for humans to coexist and flourish." Yeah, we could do with more of this.