What is respect? Has it any value? And has it been lost? Respect can be said to be an attitude of consideration or high regard; a good opinion, honour or admiration.
To have high regard for something be it a custom, practice, rule or right, is to observe and abide by them.
Respect can also be said to be a polite greetings often offered as condolences after death.
More so, when we talk about respect we mean a particular aspect of something; to relate or to be concerned with something. But what I want us to draw our minds to the ‘respect’ that is defined as an attitude of high regard.
What criteria does somebody meet in order to be respected? It’s well noted that I already have questions unanswered but let me answer this immediate one. Normally every human no matter the circumstances of birth, level of erudition and status in society is worthy of respect. But due to differences in temperament ,attitude and so many other factors, I would say it’s only those who act rationally and exercise an admirable level of sanity are eligible of respect. Thus, the answer to my afore question; respect is very valuable and as a matter of fact it forms part of our most valuable needs. To those of us conversant with the Maslow hierarchy of needs we know it forms part of our esteem needs; that which precedes self-actualization.
Respect, esteem and dignity are in many ways synonymous than they are different when it is lost most often it cannot be regained. That brings to mind the very popular adage; “A good name is better than riches”. Indeed to have an image worthy of emulation; to be a model, icon to people is by far better than all the wealth one can think of accumulating in this temporary world of ours.
Do children of today have any respect at all? Have the youths lost respect for the elderly? I wouldn’t want to bore you by reiterating the definition for respect I believe I have emphatically stated all it entails in this singular write up of mine. But it’s noteworthy that we understand that it’s not by mere heeding to one’s bidding be it an elderly person or someone in authority is ‘respect’ but our demeanor and equanimity, also the way we address people tells a lot. Let me ask do you respect?
Source: King Ironzy
