So why don't we pad all the parts of our bodies that are much harder than fists like knees elbows shins and heels. I thought the point was protecting your opponent.

Because, when Muay Thai began competing internationally and turning into a sport, it wasn't palpable to Western audiences unless gloves were introduced just like in Western boxing.

It's very simple.

And gloves were introduced into Western Boxing as an act of civility, to lessen getting cut and other types of damage on opponents.

It was never -- at any point -- to protect your hands.

It was to lessen the damage and brutality of bare knuckle boxing (which is something that is illegal in most places NOT because people are concerned about your hands).

And the helmet analogy you just repeated back my exact point. youre careless about smashing your head into someone due to padding.

Yes...which leads to more injury.

Hence why you should learn to hit WITHOUT gloves.

And why do they allow wrapping of hands if we are concerned with safety. This is a joke.

Hand wraps ARE to protect your hands. Which is why, even in bare knuckle bouts, people still wrap their hands.

My god.