It implies that fame and respect don't keep going long. Something that wilts with speed than a rose is something short lived or impermanent. In spite of the fact that we achieve extraordinary things throughout everyday life, we get old; we may have different conditions that may make us lose the Distinction and respect. We could accomplish something, in life that may even reason us to serve time, in any case, life does not go everlastingly here on earth, nor does the things we have picked up throughout everyday life.
Politeness could be both! It could be all good manners, but it also could be good lying. If this isn't what you are looking for, please explain more clearly.
