Leaders Among the Sheep: A Take on "Respect"

If you know your history or not, you have been told that Sir Winston Churchill changed the face of the earth. He will forever be known in our history books. And still to this day he is respected.

How do we become respected. At least within our community or circle of acquaintances? Well, we all can't decide the outcome of a World War. Or like Ghandi, we all cant fight an empire and help India gain its independence and freedom. Nonetheless, I personally would still like to be remembered, respected and admired when I die. I would hope that there are some readers who wouldn't mind that either. But what are the ingredients, what is essential?

It is not gained through disciplinary (military) or hierarchical (business) means. You seldom meet someone you respect that you don't find wise or humble. These people constantly think of others first. They are like water, flexible and able to adapt.to the circumstances. The opposite of rocks, who are known to be rigid and unwavering in their beliefs. (A little Taoism)

We are taught to respect our parents and elders at a young age. But sometimes that level of respect diminishes as we grow older. Think about one person you admired and listened to when you were young. Lets say someone other than your parents. I'm sure you can name at least one person. Now can you think of someone that you lost respect for as you grew older. Maybe you noticed something about them you didn't like? You caught a glimpse of them uncensored and uncut. How are some able to earn our respect but lose it just as quickly?

What is the point of striving to respected if it so easily lost. Especially in our technological age. We are not perfect, people see through our intentions or at least will soon enough. We all want to be financially sound, some of us even filthy rich. We all want to be happy, some of us even at the expense of others.

Is there an answer to gaining others respect? Maybe a better question; Is there a way we can improve ourselves? A way we can strive to be better and lead an exemplary lifestyle? A way we can strive to be role models for those younger than us?

We led a life that revolved around happiness in our lives and to others around us. We accepted the concept that at any given moment someone is watching us (Include god, nature or universe depending on religious outlook here). We strive to be the teacher and leader. All while we do it maintaining a level of humbleness and open mindedness towards others.

I truly believe that we need to improve on ourselves. Strive to become wise, humble and maintain a high level of personal happiness. When we are truly good hearted people respect just becomes a by product of our hard work. The end result is respect, it is not what we should be actively thinking about.

I think we can agree Mother Teresa or Mahatma Ghandi set such high goals and held themselves to such high standards that they would never be forgotten.

The following books are the definitive authorized biographical books on Churchill, Ghandi & Teresa. I highly recommend them: