OldBlindGuy - Posted - 10/14/2019:  09:29:40

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Originally posted by Frisco Fred

 

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...and since religions are a social construct on which societies are built upon, it makes sense that the people who live by these constructs would want to defend those essential societal building blocks. 

For obvious reasons, whether or not this or that religious construct is divinely inspired is another subject, and is out of bounds for this forum. 

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You are quite right... a debate over religion(s) being a social construct vs. being of divine creation would certainly be out of bounds.

Paul R - Posted - 10/14/2019:  18:13:35

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Originally posted by m06

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Originally posted by Paul R

Several years ago I seemed to have offended a poster (long since disappeared) whose father, who had, I think, been a Marine, spoke about "earning respect". I responded by saying I freely grant respect until the person does something to lose that respect. I'm not sure if I said anything further, but I'd add now that I try to earn respect through my behaviour toward others. I know that at times I have lost respect, but I think I (maybe not every time) have also tried to earn it back.



An interesting juxtaposition - give it freely, try to earn it.



There have been times that personal friendship has been the spark that returned respect - knowing that my friend really isn't the way it seemed that one time.

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...or how about a small but crucial adjustment: give it freely, try to live daily in accord with our core beliefs.

That avoids the very human social and ego instinct to seek 'popularity' and 'acceptance' on the basis of other's 'assessment' (which may be false or corrupt). Relationships based on integrity and trust are a more solid foundation. And trust is something we do have to inspire and maintain; we cannot demand it.

Identifying and associating with those who can demonstrate trustworthiness is a more sure guide and compass in life than those more numerous vainglorious and narcissistic who put their effort into the vanity of 'admiration' and 'esteem' at any cost. 

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I don't equate earning respect with "acceptance" or "popularity, simply being respectful - probably a better/less clumsy way to phrase it. And, if I've assessed someone as not deserving of respect, I will (usually) still try to behave respectfully (as you say, in accord with our core beliefs/convictions*), although perhaps not as openly (or I may lessen or avoid interaction depending upon potential consequences). As you say, associating with, um, in my imperfect words, better role models.

* (But what if those convictions are less than honourable? May I assume that you imply that certain people's deeds are in opposition to their core beliefs - e.g.: profess belief in "all men are created equal" while supporting certain kinds of discrimination?)

m06 - Posted - 10/15/2019:  05:11:56

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Originally posted by Paul R

> May I assume that you imply that certain people's deeds are in opposition to their core beliefs - e.g.: profess belief in "all men are created equal" while supporting certain kinds of discrimination?)<

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Yes.

Owen - Posted - 10/15/2019:  10:11:36

FWIW, I happened across this tidbit in Life's Little Instruction Book (Vol. II)...   "#727: Show extra respect for people whose jobs put dirt under their fingernails."

steve davis - Posted - 10/15/2019:  10:28:14

One of the biggest compliments bestowed on someone on a workboat or down on the wharf was "He's the same,every day."
This means that someone is predictable in how they are going to respond to a situation.You can rely on them as much as the sun rising every day.

At the heart of their dependability is a surity of conviction simply meaning having learned the limits of the vessel and her equipment and crew.Experiencing success (and failure) in the past builds this surity.

Lack of conviction is directly connected to lack of experience,imo.