I Saw Something on Social Media That Got Me Thinking... Is Respect Earned or Given?
Hello, my wonderful Steemians ❤️
I hope you're all having a wonderful day.
A few days ago, I was scrolling through social media when I came across a simple question that completely caught my attention.
"Is respect earned or given?"
At first, I smiled and kept scrolling. But somehow, that question stayed in my mind. I found myself thinking about it long after I had closed the app. The more I reflected on it, the more I realized that respect is one of those words we use every day, yet very few of us ever stop to think about what it truly means.
Growing up in Nigeria, I was taught that respect is part of good upbringing. We greet our elders properly, speak politely, and show courtesy regardless of whether we know them personally. In many homes, children are corrected not just for bad behaviour but also for anything that appears disrespectful. It becomes a habit, almost a way of life.
As I grew older, however, life introduced me to different kinds of people, and that changed my perspective.
I have met people who were highly educated, wealthy, or held important positions, yet the way they treated others made it difficult to admire them. They expected respect because of their title or age, but they rarely gave the same respect to those around them.
On the other hand, I have met people with no special title, no great wealth, and no public recognition, yet their kindness, humility, honesty, and compassion naturally commanded respect. They never demanded it. They simply lived in a way that made people respect them.
That made me realise something.
I believe basic respect should be given to everyone. Every human being deserves to be treated with dignity, regardless of their age, gender, background, religion, or financial status. Being polite costs nothing, and kindness is one of the simplest ways we can make the world a little better.
But I also believe that deep respect is earned.
The kind of respect that makes people trust your words, seek your advice, and speak well of you when you are not around cannot be demanded. It is built over time through consistency, integrity, humility, and the way you treat people, especially those who have nothing to offer you.
One quote that perfectly captures my thoughts is by C. S. Lewis, who said:
"Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching."
To me, integrity is one of the strongest foundations of respect. People may admire talent, wealth, or success, but they genuinely respect good character.
Another quote that has stayed with me is from Maya Angelou:
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
When I think about the people I respect the most, it isn't because they are famous or powerful. It's because of how they make others feel—valued, heard, and appreciated.
As Christians, the Bible also reminds us of the importance of respect and humility. Romans 12:10 says:
"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."
That verse has always reminded me that showing respect is not a sign of weakness; it is a reflection of good character.
At the end of the day, I don't think respect is something we should only give to those who have "earned" it. Courtesy and kindness should be extended to everyone because they are part of our humanity.
However, the highest level of respect is the kind that leaves a lasting legacy and that is something that grows through our actions, our values, and our character.
Money can disappear. Positions can change. Fame can fade. But a good name and a life lived with integrity will always speak long after we are gone.
To me, that is what true respect is all about.
Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts. As a new Steemit creator, every post is an opportunity for me to learn and improve. Your support, whether through an upvote or by simply reading my work, truly means a lot to me. Thank you, and may you have a beautiful and blessed day. ❤️