I think I remember Heinlein writing something to the effect that formal politeness was the "grease" on the wheels of society, protecting the parts from rubbing together and creating friction. Politeness seems, IMO, to be dying. I deal every day with people who think that the rules don't apply to them, and by yelling at me, making threats and by trying to intimidate me that I will break the rules for them. I don't respond well to threats or intimidation.

When I say "Thank you" to someone, I rarely get any response, much the less a "your welcome" or "thank you" in return. My Mom taught us that "please" and "thank you" were "magic words." I think she was right.

I guess I would say that yes, politeness and respect to other people is good for your survival. I feel fairly certain that my being polite and respectful to some less than savory characters I have run into on the street in NYC, DC and overseas, has helped defuse a potentially unpleasant situation. But I seem to be in a minority in trying to be polite.