Generally, people feel guilty or ashamed, even if they are getting away with something, because they internalize standards, and judge themselves when they fall short. We rely upon this, in fact, trusting that most people will behave correctly most of the time, even if they could get away with something. Duty, or doing what one is supposed to do, has everything to do with it. Only sociopaths act exclusively out of self- interest.
Standards of decorum varying due to social class, ethnic background, educational level, and other factors, and therefore are blurred. However, the underlying notion of considerateness is widely understood, and therefore sensitivity to giving unnecessary offense is encouraged among most people......... |
