Essay On Respect For Others

Respect can be defined as a positive feeling of esteem for a person or

entity. It denotes the regard and consideration shown by an individual
towards others.

There have been various philosophical works done in the past that try to
define ‘respect’ comprehensively. The most substantial work has been
done by Immanuel Kant. He stated that every individual deserves respect
because he is an end in himself.

Though, his theory is questioned, criticized or inferred in many ways,

yet it is one of the significant works. It is hard to clearly demarcate the
outline and definition of respect. But it is a feeling that can be mutually
understood and felt.

Respect cannot be demanded, it is an asset that has to be earned. From

the very childhood kids are taught to respect their parents, elders,
teachers and an unending list of social obligations. But an ambiguity
arises when the teachings do no match the practical experiences.

Children find it hard to respect certain persons or the same person in

differing situations, viz. If a parent generally behaves positively with the
children, it is normal for the child to reciprocate and show the same
behaviour. But the anomaly arises when a parent confront or scold the
child to make him understand a certain thing. The child wants to
reciprocate his behaviour but the parent defies his behaviour and tells the
child to respect him.

Here the respect is tried to be imposed and not earned. This is a

contradiction to respect. Nobody can earn respect by suppression or by
flaunting power. It is a deliberate action that cannot be forced upon
others.
There is an individualistic form of respect also, which is well known as
self-respect. If an individual cannot respect himself, he cannot respect
any other person. A feeling of worth and rational judgement gives rise to
self respect.

Self respect is an essential component for the prosperity of any

individual. A person with low self respect may act as a timid. On the
other hand, self respect does not violate the individuality or respect of
others. A clear distinction occurs between self respect and ego.

Self respect is recognition of intrinsic worth. A person works to protect

and preserve his self respect. On the other hand, ego can be defined as
forceful or aggressive imposition of one’s thoughts or judgements over
the others.

Hence respect can be called as a behavioural component. A person

inadvertently judges the other on the basis of the expressed behaviour
and qualities possessed by him. Respect is also an expression of
accepting a certain trait or set of traits demonstrated by that person. The
qualities or traits that we appreciate, we tend to respect those who own
them. So, respecting a person or not comes naturally.

Every person has his own standards of judging people. Yet, there are
certain set of qualities that are common and popular to gain respect in
the society, viz. An individual who possess high moral values and shows
compassion and solidarity towards other human beings is respected by a
large section of society. Then there are other traits like general
behaviour, reaction, response and a personal growth etc.

All these factors contribute to effectively comprehend the term ‘respect’.

It is a natural response or reaction towards an individual. To earn respect
is a matter of individualistic integrity and rational behaviour.