I grew up in a snooty zip code, even if I don't live in one now.
Maybe that explains why I don't make small talk with strangers, and ignore all those who attempt to do so with me..
PS: If Montaigne (no slouchy snootmeister himself, I am sure) and I happen to sit next to each other on the plane, we'd have a very quiet flight indeed, and never know we were sitting next to each other.