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El respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz.
(Respect for the rights of others is peace.)
~ Emiliano Zapata, Mexican hero
Nothing illustrates that better than a pack of dogs.
If you've read the rescue stories of my dogs, you know it took time and effort--and a lot of patience--to get them to respect each other. When she first came home, Winter stole food from everyone. So did Sasha II. And Romy. They paid the blood price once or twice, but that's not what made them stop.
Respect doesn't come easy. Respect is like love: you can't demand that someone love you. Demanding--whether whiny or aggressive--just breeds fear. And fear is not respect.
Think of the people you respect. Why do you? Because you're scared of them, or the consequences non-respect would bring? Or is it their achievements, their grace, the way they deal with hardship and sorrow?
~ * ~
Thanks for the visit, and happy A-to-Z-ing!
P.S. -- I'm over at Vidya Sury's marvelous blog today sharing a
Disney-ending, tear-jerker dog rescue story.
Would love to see you there :)
That's a loaded question: why do we respect others? Is it because we're taught to? You will have me thinking about this for the rest of the afternoon :)
ReplyDeleteHaha--I'm still mulling over it :D Thanks for the visit!
DeleteLoved this...I've written on respect too...n respect should be given simply because it should be given ;)
ReplyDeleteDanny Simon
Hmmm... I'm not sure I agree with you, Danny. Respect is an emotion, like love. And we all know how well it works when someone tells you you "should" love someone :) There needs to be a reason for respect, no? If you mean respect in the sense of respecting others' privacy or property, then I agree--but that's not respect for the person themselves. Interesting question. Wish we could have this conversation over a bottle (or three) of wine :)
DeleteHow profound! This is a perfect read for me. Thanks for sharing your insights on respect, love, and peace.
ReplyDeleteVisiting you for the A to Z Callenge.
Thank you for the visit! Glad to connect :)
DeleteRespect is given because it is given ... If eg I think myself worthy of respect, then I will extend to others. Great post, thank you.
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting take, Susan: respect being reciprocal. I think you may be right!
DeleteThe word 'respect' is used too much and understood too little. Its opposite, disrespect, must rank as one of the most misused words. The Oxford English Dictionary defines respect as "A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements".
ReplyDeleteA secondary meaning (which I think applies more in a social context - between, for example, dogs as well as between humans) is: "Due regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others".
From my viewpoint, respect that is not mutual, is not respect. I have worked under people whom I could not respect, because of their demeanour, lack of reciprocation, and total absence of admirable qualities. However, I did give respect to their position - that through fear of loss of my job, certainly not a deep admiration!.
You've touched on something that I've been thinking about, Keith: the difference between respect for a person and respect for an institution--a position, a law. Different things, yes, and hard to reconcile at times. I may not agree with a certain law, but because I respect the *idea* of government and judicial process, I must then respect--refrain from breaking--the law, too.
DeleteAnd you're so right: respect is totally misunderstood.
Your visits, as always, brighten my day :)
Again proving that we could learn from our dogs how to live a better life.
ReplyDeleteI learn so much from my animals! It's true - dogs and other critters can teach us a lot. Enjoyed your blog and nice to 'meet' you through the A to Z challenge.
ReplyDeleteAnimals teach me everyday. They are simply beautiful. I respect others when they treat me with respect and I am also feeling blessed to know them. I do not respect anyone I fear. I am honoured to know my friends and with that comes respect. Love the doggies here:)
ReplyDeleteRespect, like love, for anybody has to come from within. Of course, one must behave respectfully towards all.
ReplyDelete