Then you can GIVE respect to whomever you like.
Now we have a new issue of dogmatic vocabulary. Given, earned, due,
expected, demand, show, demonstrate, manifestation of, etc.
As long as you remain free to feel it or not, to show it or not, it’s OK.
A note on “due”: it’s an inherited concept, by which ordinary subjects of
the population, in accordance with their inferior rank, owed respect to the
noble, the gentry, and in general anyone from the leading class, including
the military with grades. Respect was then GIVEN; not in the concrete
sense, it was an acquired status, and in the case of nobility it was
innate. In some cases it could also be earned, as a permanent right,
through exceptional actions or contributions. It could also be bought by
financial means through social ascension (same as now and always actually).
The inferior subject had often the obligation of demonstration, by bowing
for example, or by other verbal or corporeal manifestations of deference.
If the subject didn’t, it was not a serious offence, but he or she could be
compelled to. In case of refusal the person could face serious trouble, and
even death. At the opposite end a person, particularly one implicated with
social ascension, could offer repeated manifestations of respect and
adulation, intended to please the notable receiver, who in turn might show
his or her magnanimity by granting favors or support.
But times have changed (and sometimes they go backward). Our ancestors
everywhere often gave their blood to conquer freedom and the right to
equality, for us. Now we take it for granted, and by that we help restore
oligarchy and privileges of upper classes. It’s interesting to see so many
people now fighting fiercely to reclaim the “due” respect for authorities
and notable persons, attempting a social ban for those who do not comply.
On Tue, Feb 14, 2017 at 12:31 AM, Levantovsky, Vladimir <
Vladimir.Levantovsky@monotype.com> wrote:
> Someone I know and love once wrote "Respect is GIVEN, not EARNED!"
> And guess what - she is right!
>
> Cheers,
> Vlad
>
>
> On Monday, February 13, 2017 9:24 AM Sebastian Zartner wrote:
>
> On 13 February 2017 at 11:47, Domenico Strazzullo <
> strazzullo.domenico@gmail.com> wrote:
> > Please let's earn some respect for one another! Different opinions and
> > valid arguments can be expressed in an objective way, as well as in a
> > subjective way, let’s leave it to the free will.
>
> What I meant is that people in this thread should stop insulting each
> other. I agree, respect needs to be earned, but insults rather reach the
> opposite.
>
> <snip/>
>
> Sebastian
>
>