Quote:
Originally Posted by lastcardcharlie
What is the point of greeting, again? Is it to demonstrate that we're not about to kill each other with swords or something? ..........snip..................
That is exactly its main function. The smile and friendly gestures and facial expressions evolved partially for the same reason. That is also why in almost every cultural when you invite someone into your abode or place of encamped etc, that you offer them some form of drink and/or food. The gesture being that you incur the persons goodwill and that you and household will less likely be killed, raped, robbed, enslaved or otherwise be abused by a "stranger" if you feed them or give some form of hospitality. Overall it pays dividends and is a useful survival mechanism.