“A constructive approach to diplomacy doesn’t mean relinquishing one’s rights. It means engaging with one’s counterparts, on the basis of equal footing and mutual respect, to address shared concerns and achieve shared objectives.” (Quote by Hassan Rouhani)

Introduction

Mutual respect reflects equal and dignified treatment of all people belonging to any or every caste, creed, culture, color, religion, gender, etc. The very essence of the term mutual respect lies in that no one, and by no one we mean no one is discriminated against based on his or her geographical origin, religious or political standpoints, sexual preference, or any other preference per se.

​Significance

​The human civilization is an amalgamation of hundreds of different cultures and traditions. And this number only tends to increase with time. We populate this planet collectively, use its resources collectively, thrive, and perish collectively. No one group of people has a proprietary claim to this planet or its resources. We are all equals, period. However, we all remain quite adamant about gaining a disproportionate amount of anything and everything that we can. What’s even worse is that this isn’t limited to tangible assets alone. We actually happen to believe that the ways of our own community are far superior to others’. Individually, we happen to believe that our own ideas and thought processes are unquestionably better than others’. This bubble that we all live in does nothing for our growth as a society, and only creates discord and friction on collision with a different bubble.

​This is why mutual respect is extremely important. So that we can progress together towards a brighter tomorrow. So that we don’t end up destroying each other in the near future. The truth is dynamic and relative in nature. Right and wrong, good and bad are dynamic and relative in nature. Even when we disagree with someone’s point of view, we are supposed to be respectful, because we would want the other person to behave the same. Being respectful (especially) to differing or opposite opinions speaks a lot about one’s development on a mental as well as on an emotional level.

​Cultivation

​Tolerance is a key factor to be considered when we talk about developing mutual respect for everyone. One has to digest the truth that his or her opinion has in no way been given a higher status by any of the laws of nature, that is as long as one does not intend to harm another. The moment you feel that you need to resort to violence because someone has given a statement that you don’t approve of or agree with, you should realize and accept that you are being intolerant. 

​One way to inculcate mutual respect amidst your circle of communication is to stop judging others based on their viewpoints. Next time someone presents a different argument than your own, simply state “that is your opinion and I respect it” and move on. This will eliminate any non-essential altercation and give you the position of control. Nobody will ever criticize you or rain insults on you for being understanding. They will only respect you in return. You’ll be tempted to speak your mind, sometimes use slangs or even raise your voice in order to ascertain dominance in the dialogue, but you must resist. Do away with anything unhelpful. Of course, if you have a logical point that can be made in a polite manner, you should go ahead and say it by all means. But remember, “the volume of your voice does not increase the validity of your argument” (quote by Steve Maraboli).

​Resources

​Coming soon!

​End Note

​Conflict of ideas is natural. It is here to stay for as long as the human civilization will continue to populate the Earth. But conflict must be resolved by debate and not blood. It’s important to value the other person’s thought process before you can expect the other person to value your own.

​Overall, mutual respect and universal brotherhood are very similar virtues. But they vary in the sense that the latter is practiced on an inter-community level whereas the former on a bit more personal level.

​PS. If you wish to become an accomplished human being, equipped with the right values and ethics, you should work on cultivating mutual respect as a virtue. It is one of the nine most important virtues of all times for promoting self development and growth.