[Hoplite]

You think niceness is on the wane eh?

Indubitably - as it was, as it shall always be, and we can look to the ancients to see where to place the blame:

What is happening to our young people? They disrespect their elders, they disobey their parents. They ignore the law. They riot in the streets inflamed with wild notions. Their morals are decaying. What is to become of them?    Plato, 4th Century BC

Further, it seems as if some folk's interest in the present subject is directed primarily towards gathering totemic post numbers and then bragging about it afterwards - hopelessly boorish behavior which is nothing if not a further indication of the collapse of civilised society.

[Torie]

Per your quote, I was subjected to that high school graduation boilerplate in my high school graduation, from some beta high school principal (it was, and now doubt still is, a favoite feel good thingy at such occasions, for parents who are concerned that their issue seem headed towards the rocks). It didn't have any traction for me then, and it doesn't now. Plus ca change, plus ca meme chose, as per moi. :)