Hm
Overwhelmingly humans are cowardly and weak. They shape their habits and personalities to avoid rejection by their peers. These are the people who after reading stories of heroism form jealous thoughts and empty aspirations to achieve the same sort of recognition, power, and renown as the characters in the story; often in a vain search of respect from others. Unfortunately, this is commonplace in a society where the marker of success for the masses focuses on a person's ability to gain, rather than give.
However, this sort of success will only gain the 'respect' of those with similiar self serving interests. This is why we - as a prospering race - need to take focus away from the "what" the "who" and the "how many", and instead simply place importance on the "why". To help people understand that it isn't the amazing feats of strength or skill that makes the hero in a storybook a hero, but rather the ideals and virtues they uphold through use of these skills.
No, the true measure of a hero can not be found in one's ammount of fame, acceptance, intelligence, strength, or skill. Instead, the one true measure of heroism is found solely in a person's motivation behind their actions.
My respect can not be earned through any measurable asset, or through any numerical label. Instead, I give my respect to those who are able to uphold their integrity in the face of opposition. To those who speak their thoughts honestly to others for the sake of others; instead of simply formulating the "correct" response for personal gain or acceptance from others.
Worthy of my respect is a person who acts out of empathy and kindess to make better the lives of those around him (friends and strangers alike), while not allowing himself to be used for other's selfish gain.
Worthy of my respect is a person who realizes that maintaining open and honest relations with their peers, while not always easy, is the most important thing that can be done for the betterment of one's self and society as a whole.
However, this sort of success will only gain the 'respect' of those with similiar self serving interests. This is why we - as a prospering race - need to take focus away from the "what" the "who" and the "how many", and instead simply place importance on the "why". To help people understand that it isn't the amazing feats of strength or skill that makes the hero in a storybook a hero, but rather the ideals and virtues they uphold through use of these skills.
No, the true measure of a hero can not be found in one's ammount of fame, acceptance, intelligence, strength, or skill. Instead, the one true measure of heroism is found solely in a person's motivation behind their actions.
My respect can not be earned through any measurable asset, or through any numerical label. Instead, I give my respect to those who are able to uphold their integrity in the face of opposition. To those who speak their thoughts honestly to others for the sake of others; instead of simply formulating the "correct" response for personal gain or acceptance from others.
Worthy of my respect is a person who acts out of empathy and kindess to make better the lives of those around him (friends and strangers alike), while not allowing himself to be used for other's selfish gain.
Worthy of my respect is a person who realizes that maintaining open and honest relations with their peers, while not always easy, is the most important thing that can be done for the betterment of one's self and society as a whole.