If they are weak, I will “expand my territory” if they are strong, I might consider retreating. I may, for example, tease people or offend them a little (or more than a little) in order to test my boundaries or test other people’s confidence and strength. This ability to put ourselves in others’ shoes can prevent us from hurting other people’s feelings.Īt the same time, it is precisely this point that I can press in order to check my limits in this world. However, since we have self-respect, and we know that everyone has it, we can appreciate what others feel if they are hurt or humiliated. We cannot truly sympathize with others, except perhaps with those who are truly close to us like family or close friends. There is another advantage to having respect. In this way, respect can make us correct ourselves, and through our correction, correct society. In other words, maintaining respect not only sends us on wars it also makes us restrain ourselves and avoid doing harm. The expression “I will not stoop to your level” means exactly that-that I will not dishonor myself the way you are dishonoring yourself. While people will go a long way to retain their respect, they will also avoid many misdeeds for exactly the same reason. Respect means that I have value, that I am worthy.
However, there is a good reason why respect is so important to us.
To many people, this can be worse than death. Offending someone’s respect renounces and even invalidates someone’s being. Disrespect toward others can lead to conflicts, violence, political paralysis (look at the Israeli political system), and even wars.
With all due respect to others’ self-respect, we care about our own respect, and not much else.
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