Spiritual growth is more important than amassing wealth. Material possessions can be a sign of poor spiritual health and be disruptive to society. Society is better organized if there is rank, status, hierarchy. Class, caste, status is important. To be formal is to show superiority and arrogance.
Informality can be intrusive and can result in loss of respect for a superior.
The Professor has all the answers. Directness, Openness, Honesty. Interpersonal conflicts should be discussed directly. Truth is a reality, not a function of circumstance. Direct questioning is rude and intrusive.