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Respect is one of the most important emotions/attitudes of a happy and fulfilled lifestyle. A lack of respect in life --no matter how materially secure a person may be --is a primary contributor to the full range of negative emotions. |
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As vital as respect is-- both as a virtue, and a way of living life -- it precise meaning and application is frequently confused. |
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For example, when a person first thinks of the word "respect" they probably associate the meaning of something having "value" versus something of little value. |
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While "to value a person or thing" is one of the legitimate definitions of "respect", it is by no means the only one, nor the core of the original meaning of the word. Before something can be "valued", it has to be observed first. |
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The origin and meaning of Respect |
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The word respect from the latin word
respicere meaning “look at, regard, consider”. Respicere itself is
a combination of two words RE “I” + SPECERE “Look”,
hence the word for glasses “spectacles”. |
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In English, there are a range of meanings and attributes associated with the word respect, namely: |
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| 1. |
To face, or look to (towards) |
| 2. |
A consideration, a fact or motive which assists in, or leads to the formation of a decision, an end or aim. (1549) |
| 3. |
To treat, or regard with deference, esteem, or honour; to feel or show respect for (1560) |
| 4. |
Deferential regard or esteem felt or shown towards a person or thing. (1586) |
| 5. |
To esteem, prize or value (a thing) (1638) |
| 6. |
Heed, care, attention (1647) |
| 7. |
To pay attention to; to observe carefully (1662) |
| 8. |
An aspect of a thing; a relative property or quality; a relationship (1753) |
| 9. |
A relationship of one person or thing to another (1753) |
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The key qualities of respect |
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While the definitions for the word respect differ in their wording, there are several key qualities that can summarize the overall meaning of the word. Respect by definition of the words upon which it is formed means "to look at (persons, objects) in the present moment". If we look at the other definitions of respect that have evolved, we see this summary concept refining to imply "to consciously look at particular (persons, objects) in the present moment and regard them as having value". |
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In addition, we see the word respect also meaning "an aspect of a thing; a relative property; a relationship" and "a relationship of one person or thing to another." In other words, the value of persons not only applies to what the observer perceives, but is a quality found to some degree in the relationship and feature of all persons and things." |
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Respect as one of the six (6) key present moment emotions |
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Respect is special as one of six (6) key emotions called the VIRS that may all be experienced simultaneously in the present moment of time. The others are (in order from respect) honesty, consistency, enthusiasm, compassion and cheerfulness. |
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Unlike most negative emotions that rely upon a person shifting their focus primarily to the past, or the future, respect is firmly a "present moment" emotion. |
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Finding answers |
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You might be interested in finding more answers in relation to this emotion. If this is the case then the Journey of UCA might be of interest. |
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If you would like a practical answer and something that may help you in relation to this issue right now, then please click on reflections to see one or more reflections you can immediately use about this issue. |
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