does common politeness lead to eventual enlightenment?

Yes, it does. Dr. David R. Hawkins, who was an Enlightened being, taught that practicing one simple spiritual teaching, without exception, such as being kind and considerate to others is really all that is necessary. Enlightenment is a way of being in the world by what you've become. By practicing one simple lesson you become it. He also mentioned that the Buddha said that to even hear of Enlightenment is a karmic gift, and to choose it as ones goal guarantees it in this life or the next.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQCR3ut3ZjE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMBDU_lxydY

No. One can use common politeness as a shield behind which to hide from meaningful interaction, sometimes it can even be used as a weapon if it is so careful that it makes the other person feel rude by contrast. I remember a comment that one reader of Castiglione's "Book of the Courtier." became more polite but less sincere.

I'm not sure what Enlightenment even is. Most religious accounts seem to suggest it is the total suspension of all critical faculties.

'Genuine'

(not pretended)

Common Politeness

is good

and is a must

to all humans.

But

if we offer it

to self-centered / unprincipled creatures,

we will be hurting ourselves !

This will cure us

of our illusions ...

And our eventual disillusionment

will bring to us

the much needed enlightenment

that most humans must be handled with care

and that there are many

who do not deserve

common politeness

from others !

In fact,

we must be

aware / conscious

of the fact

"Intolerance of intolerance

is the only correct way

to handle the intolerant !"

Life is pretty complex,

and if we do not take care

to handle ourselves and others

the proper way,

our life

is bound to become

a total Loss !

Yes. A person must do this in order to expect to receive it, and this is where a person becomes enlightened as to who will, and who won't give that back in return, and the decision becomes a point of pursuing happiness elsewhere, or not.

Politeness can help to us to the recognition of the concept of universal brotherhood. At least it would eliminate the impediment of impoliteness.

politeness doesn't make you get necessary education. it cannot make you know a book the way you have read that book. you cannot about anything without learning and understanding.

to be enlightened, you must free yourself from delusions or ignorance.

I suppose, if one uses "common politeness" enough, one would realize how deceitful it is - and THAT might be considered a form of enlightenment.

(It is deceitful as a plea for positive feedback, masquerading as kindness.)

No. Spiritual practice does.

No and No