Politeness is to human nature what warmth is to wax.[Sonach ist die Höflichkeit dem Menschen, was die Wärme dem Wachs.]
Either one learns politeness at home or the world teaches it to you with a whip and you may get hurt in the process.
Being polite to a person is not a sign of respect for them. It is merely a sign of a good upbringing and a balanced nature.