Wherever human minds are at work, there will be ego clashes, politics, skulduggery, gravedigging and so on.... As some of our learned friends have mentioned above, this has been in existence since time immemorial. If we are self-conscious, we can avoid getting into the cesspool called office politics, and try to stay neutral...
I too have worked for over 40 years but always steered clear of office politics and came out unscathed..... one has to be diplomatic,and try to avoid getting trapped into groups....
Presentation was very good indeed.... Good for the youngsters...... For elders, they can reminisce and savour their own past !