I think you're being pedantic. To the surprise of absolutely no-one, this axiom (like all axioms) can't be applied universally.

This advice was doled out in the context of earning "respect". As such, it's more applicable when working within a persistent social construct (schoolyard, office environment, family, etc) - and not random strangers who you will likely never meet again (bike thieves, DMV clerks, magazine subscription salespeople, et al).