What Does It Mean To Be Respectful?
Without taming our human nature, we’d be running around like a wild pack of animals with no remorse for each other. Human nature does not mean that society works best on what is “natural”; just because something is natural and universal does not make it effective and productive for modern-day society.
From a Freudian perspective, every person has an ego, superego and ID. The ID is the animalistic side of us seeking pleasure: food, sex, sleep and fun. The superego takes societal values and morals into consideration and balances our ego and ID. Some of us are more in touch with our ID.
The problem with too much ID is that respect for others is sidelined while selfish “natural” drives take priority. This causes many problems for society:
- Women are looked down upon as sources of physical pleasure (lust)
- Too much emphasis is placed on the self rather than helping others (pride)
- The quest for power, fortune and control take over (greed)
- Habitual greed or excess in eating (gluttony)
- Looking down upon others who hold qualities or possessions which one lacks (envy)
- Extreme anger towards others for no good reason (wrath)
- The reluctance to work or make an effort to better humanity (sloth)
One can argue that the seven traits mentioned above are part of human nature; all perfectly “natural” behaviors that serve to benefit us. And for the most part, they are part of human nature. But the argument is that human nature is not always what is best for mankind.
Clearly, the seven traits mentioned above are destructive to an individual and those around them. The solution is it sideline your ID and begin to respect yourself and others. Respect is the due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights or traditions of others.
When we begin to respect ourselves, respecting others no longer poses a challenge.
Are you Ready? (This is Defeating Stigma Mindfully)
DSM (Defeating Stigma Mindfully) 