A dying culture is always marked by the personal cruelty of each of its representatives. Bad manners, reluctance to give in at least something to another. The loss of elementary politeness and good manners is much more symptomatic than some kind of conspiracy.This symptom is especially serious because the one who shows it never considers it a sign of illness, but, on the contrary, takes it as proof of his power.
Robert Heinlein "Friddy"