From a very young age at home, parents teach values that allow the individual's personality to develop; Among these is respect. It is taught to respect everyone equally, regardless of race, skin color, religion, etc.
Main concept
According to the Spanish Royal Academy, the word respect comes from the Latin "respectus", which means "attention" "consideration" (1).
In the dictionary of the Current Basic Academy, respect is defined as veneration, compliance, consideration and expressions of polite affection (2).
Among the synonyms of respect are admiration, adoration, love, worship, devotion, esteem, fervor, idolatry, passion, veneration, decency, decorum, dignity, esteem, honor, honorability, honor, nobility, respectability, reverence, obedience, consideration, esteem (3).
The writer Ellen White (1964) mentions in her book Child Driving that it is necessary to learn to obey the rules that parents establish at home, which will promote the happiness of children in the same way they will honor God and do good to society (4). Obedience must be instilled from childhood and develop in youth.
Some parents allow the little one to do what pleases him and when they are older they will be able to reason with them, but this is not true. Because the child's ego is strengthening and it becomes more difficult for parents to discipline them every day.
How important is obedience, since by making it part of a person's virtues, it will also allow him to develop respect. In this way respect begins in itself. Ellen White (1991) in her book Mind, Character and Personality mentions that respect is the dignity of man is his quality (5).
Therefore he who learns to respect himself will be able to respect others. Otherwise, if you don't respect yourself, you probably won't consider others with dignity (6). So all the things that we want to be done with one, must also be done with others.
Respectful behaviors such as good manners, such as apologizing, saying thank you or asking for things please, should be manifested from home (7). Accustom the little ones to their own space, since parents also need their own. Teach them to respect the people around them like teachers, neighbors, friends, family (8). Also, as parents or teachers, respect is shown with them when their needs are being met, not making comments that may humiliate them, listening to their opinions and if they are different from ours, engaging in dialogue, involving them in household chores, respecting their privacy. that the little one considers secret (8).
Respect is also present in the social-emotional sphere, in the relationship between a man and a woman. More specifically in a sexual relationship that should be within the marriage. The woman must respect herself and go as far as marriage just like the man. If the young man or young woman is not taught this principle then he will not make the correct decision later on when he is presented with having a similar situation (9).
The young man wants to be independent and to be that person who knows everything, can do everything, and have control over others. But when he is influenced by those who make him feel his independence, his lack of security and virility is reflected. Man rejects submission to obligations unless they are of his consent. They become arrogant and arbitrary people. When they marry and then divorce they take it as if they are trying to put up with the other person. Children no longer see them as gifts from God, on the contrary they establish birth control. They consider it fair to shorten their own life and that of others through euthanasia and think that they are not happy (9).
Man's attitude to the appreciation of nature is scarce, he hardly appreciates the beauty of nature and art. He moves through it only because it gives him pleasure or for his own convenience, it does not frighten him to transform them into cinematography or music demonstration (9).
In another aspect, the attitude of modern society to the forms of expression such as the handshake is less frequent every day. Now only a Hello is expressed and that also for people from some more deeply rooted culture could be a lack of respect. The chivalry that men should demonstrate to women is also the loss of a sense of respect (9).
conclusion
Respect is found in all areas of life and is a virtue that must be taught and developed from childhood as I mentioned at the beginning. When this virtue is well taught, the happiness of the person himself is cultivated, which will be expressed to those around him. In summary, respect is recognizing the value and rights of others. That is why it is important to underline that respect for oneself must be started because in this way the dignity of others will be valued.
Benito Juárez said the following expression: "the right to the respect of others is peace."
Reference sources
- Campillo, H. (2013). Current Basic Academy Dictionary. 3rd edition. Mexico. Editorials Fernández.White, E. (1964). Child driving. Lithographic Editorial. Mexico White, E. (1991). Mind, Character and Personality. Lithographic editorial. Mexico. 1 STTH, R. (2010). The priority of respect: how our common humanity can base our individual dignity. Person And Law.
