The Importance of Privateness

Melissa Moore argues that the spread of trade and capitalism meant that this sort of oath-taking was no longer practical or necessary. She cites a pamphlet written in 1530 by the philosopher and theologian Desiderius Erasmus, advising young boys that it is impolite to greet someone who is urinating or defecating. The bedroom actually had needed an innovation in fireplace technology before we got bedrooms.