Perspectives

When I first chose the name of this blog, I wasn’t really sure people will get it. Even now I doubt people grasp it fully.

Life has taught me that respect is reciprocal, I don’t mean the “Kissing Butt” kinda respect, but rather the kinda respect that comes from a genuine understanding of people and our differences. The kinda respect that allows others to be themselves without judgement. The kinda respect that allows you hear other people’s opinions without biases, racism, or statuses.

Our world today is in dire need of this kind of respect. Because not until we truly get to that point, all the social ills that trouble society will only change from one form to another. Live and let live is a quote that’s so often used, but in reality does this truly happen?

One of the ways we can truly respect others is by trying to understand their perspectives on issues of life. The child who grew up in the slum, can never have the same perspective as that who grew up in the high class neighborhood of society. Our perspective are shaped by lots of life’s experiences most of which we had no control over.

One of my favourite quote about opinions goes thus: “I might not like or agree with your opinion, but I’ll damn well defend your right to say it.” This is a very profound statement and goes a long way to teach people about respecting others. Not until you respect people, their opinions won’t matter, not until you respect others, you’ll never see anything from their perspective. Respecting other people’s perspective creates the foundation for healthy communication and productive engagements.

Those who respect others, never argue to win, they argue to learn. I have learned lessons from toddlers, I have learned from the elderly. Respect is not something anyone has to earn, It’s something that should come naturally to us, if we truly want to build a world that’s equitable and fair. Maybe that’s a pipe dream, but never should you treat people from a position of superiority.

Each time you’re tempted to disregard another’s perspective of life, you’ll want to ask yourself this age long question. “Would I be happy if I were treated the exact same way I have just treated this person?” That’s a vital question that has always set me straight each time I am tempted to disregard another’s perspective to life.

In all honesty, very few things are actually right or wrong. A whole lot really depends on our perspective on life. So today, make a conscious effort to respect others, and even if you disagree with this, that’s fine too.