Respect
From 16Guidelines
What is Respect?
Respect is a very familiar word, but one whose meaning can be quite vague. This makes it a complex guideline, and an interesting one to discuss. Respect for others is essential in living a positive and constructive life and is the first step in relating to other people. (It is worth noting that 'self-respect' is perhaps best explored in the Principles guideline as it speaks of integrity, knowing our values and living by them).
Respecting others is to value their uniqueness and the ways in which they inspire us. We especially respect those who have experience and knowledge, who can encourage us to nurture the best within ourselves. This can be someone we know personally or a public figure whose behaviour and attitude inspires us. Respect is a state of mind, but we actively demonstrate respect in many ways: being polite, listening and appreciating what somebody has to say.
All around us are people we can respect and learn from, if we choose to do so and if we have the necessary humility. Respect is earned not demanded, and given not extracted. People who try to demand respect by boasting of their many achievements or their great successes often undermine their credibility. Commonly it is the people who carry themselves with dignity, live honourably and act with integrity who earn the most respect.
Quotes
"When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you."
- Lao Tzu
"Respect is love in plain clothes.”
- Frankie Byrne
"If you want to be respected by others the great thing is to respect yourself. Only by that, only by self-respect will you compel others to respect you."
- Fyodor Dostoyevsky
"Respect your efforts, respect yourself. Self-respect leads to self-discipline. When you have both firmly under your belt, that's real power."
- Clint Eastwood
"No one respects a talent that is concealed."
- Desiderus Erasmus
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