How about TRUST?  I think that would be an interesting lesson.  I would like to consider your take on the subject.  Is a person who earns respect automatically TRUSTWORTHY?  In reality I believe that those are two very different and exclusive groups.  In a lot of ways they are alike, yet they are so very different.

		Deep Freeze wrote:
		I would certainly agree that there are different types or levels of respect.      ronhartsell wrote: Would you agree that there are different 'types' of respect?  I may respect ones' ability to gain wealth, but I may not respect the way one goes about obtaing said wealth.  Or do you think that to respect a person means to respect 'all' that the person represents?      Deep Freeze wrote: Hmm..I have never really considered it that way Ron. I suppose it could be considered fragile but I would think that a person who has earned respect did so in such a way as to build a foundation that is solid. What I mean is, one slip-up here or there should not affect that person's standing with those that actually do respect him. Perhaps it is self-perception that is at stake? Not that one cannot lose repsect, because that can happen, but I think if one is truly a dignified and respectable person, he would be allowed the occasional mistake.      ronhartsell wrote: Wow DF, did Princess get rid of the encyclopedia's when she married you (LOL)?  I am impressed with the lesson on RESPECT, you managed to hit on pretty much everything one should know about it.  It is very true that parents are indeed the first educators of respect.  Do you think you can have a 5 min. conversation with a person and get an idea of what kind of parents (guardians) that person had?   I would also suggest that once a person has earned respect, it is vital to maintain that respect.  Gaining respect and keeping it can be two different animals.  A person can spend their entire life with all the respect in the world, only to make/do one 'thing' to bring it all crashing down.  Respect is fragile and it doesn't take a lot to break it.      Deep Freeze wrote: At last! We begin our next edition of Insomniac Theater. As previously requested by one of  our classmates, this morning we shall discuss  respect. While respect can take on several definitions, it is important that we first try to understand its origins. Imagine, if you will, a group of 'cavepeople' wandering the primordial earth, searching for food and shelter. A member that fell behind most certainly would die. Such a person, having no worth or value to the group, would not be respected and thus, we see that respect is a very primal, psychological need. It almost has an instinctual value about it. Of course, we live in an age where a person might certainly survive without due respect. A person that can play professional sports, for example, or has a lot of money through family may survive and yet not get the respect another may receive. Although life itself may not depend on respect , there is still value in earning it. Sometimes, very important decisions are made on the basis of respect for another. Sincere respect , then, takes on a completely different value. Conversely, a false-respect can affect a decision towards another and show that lack in other ways. We all want to be respected. We can sense when we are or are not respected. A person of great wealth usually expects a certain amount of respect, as does one of great power. Perhaps this is why they seek the wealth and power in the first place?  For you see, with respect comes a sense of power. There is cooperation from others and , therefore, less of our own resources are expended. There are fewer conflicts. And , of course, we feel better about ourselves when we are shown respect. Evolution and practicality then are clearly reasons respect has importance to us. As mentioned previously, respect is earned. At least most of the time. By taking into account the needs and feelings of others (respecting), and volunteering to be helpful, one earns their respect. Some people make the mistake that repsect can be demanded or forced but this tends to lead to a "false" respect as it is not sincere. This then begs the question, "how does one learn to respect  others"? I believe respect is a value that is taught from a young age. A baby has no concept of respect. They first learn dependancy. There is a need to teach respect to children so that it is a value with which they live, just as we teach them not to steal, use violence or lie. This teaching is accomplished by showing a child respect. By imparting upon the child the value of respect and the sense of what it means to him. A person with no respect for themself is simply unable to respect another. We show respect by validating others. By understanding their feelings and being considerate. When we listen unconditionally and do not judge, we validate the speaker and , thereby, gain their respect. It is important that the person know we sincerely care about their feelings. Accomodating another for the sake of their feelings, we begin to earn their respect. In short, by showing respect we earn it in return. Remember, when a person feels repected, they most often tend to reciprocate that respect. It is also important that we do not confuse respect with fear. A gang member carrying a gun will often complain that he was "disrespected". Since they have no respect for others, they cannot earn respect. Instead, they gain fear. They are feared for what they might do and confuse this with respect. Respect is voluntary, not coerced. Fear is poisonous while respect is nurturing. Fear is forced while respect is earned. Certainly there is an inverse relationship between fear and respect but it is generally understood that we learn to fear.  Again, repsect is earned.It is incumbent upon parents to teach the consequences of lacking respect.  Likewise, parents must respect their children in order to give that sense of being respected. People that do not feel respected while young tend to take things more personally as adults. They may make a big scene or act out in an overly emotional manner because they have repressed feelings of pain due to lack of respect. There is also a sense of very low self-esteem which causes people to act in an irrational, rude or violent manner as they have not learned to respect others. Additionally, a child that is given everything he wants, or has not been taught to earn things tends to have no respect for the value of work. There is a lack of realization when understanding consequence for action. It is clearly important that we understand the value of true respect. By demonstrating this value when dealing with others, we will receive it in return. Respect, by and large, is valued above all other things and is sought out by most everyone. It gives us a sense of worth. A sense of ease and certainly one of power. Edited at: Thursday, December 04, 2008 7:08:59 AM Edited at: Thursday, December 04, 2008 7:09:45 AM Edited at: Thursday, December 04, 2008 7:17:09 AM