Fear and Respect

[Eric T. Schuetz]

Why is it so many people get the concept of "Fear" and "Respect" confused? More times than not, it seems that the two are interchangeable, depending on who is making the claims. But is there really a difference? Yes, indeed there is.

Fear
1: archaic : frighten
2: archaic : to feel fear in (oneself)
3: to have a reverential awe of
4: to be afraid of : expect with alarm

Respect
1: a relation or reference to a particular thing or situation
2: an act of giving particular attention : consideration
3 a: high or special regard : esteem b: the quality or state of being esteemed cplural : expressions of respect or deference
4: particular , detail

The definitions clearly are different, from what Webster's Dictionary states. So why is it so commonly confused, or bunched together? The "Fear of God". Those that enjoy fear, enjoy the sense of power they have over others. However, those that have respect from others also have power. So what is the difference?

The difference between power from fear versus power from respect is lack of control. When you have others fear you, you don't actually have any control. Sooner or later, they will see past the fear that you have sewn, and stand up against you. Once the fear is gone, the power is gone.

With Respect, you gain loyalty and trust. People will see you as an individual that "cares", or knows what he/she is doing. That in itself gives you power of suggestion. You are able to convince others of what should be done, how it should be done, or when it should be done.

Respect can also be abused. If you take advantage of the respect given, people will see you as shallow, conceited, and ignorant. Thanks to the respect given, it is harder for people to turn their back, but also easier to win them back.

When fear is abused, it is easier for the people to overcome that fear, but harder for you to re-establish that fear. Sometimes, in order to re-establish that fear, you must become more drastic each time. Sooner or later, the lies, deceit and the such will come into question. You will either have to fess up, or act upon those claims.

The interesting thing about fear and respect is those that have fear believe people also respect them. You can not be respected when feared, at least not at the same time. With fear, people see the bad things within you, trying to find reasons not to fear you. IF they respect you, they look past some of your flaws, and won't want to disrespect you.

All in all, fear is just a facade for the imposer. He is not only trying to fool those around him/her, but also fool their own self. Fear presents a false sense of power that is quick to gain, but only lasts a brief moment in time. Respect, however is hard to earn. It takes time to nurture and develop. Because of that, respect last a great deal longer.

[Mitokht]

Interesting. Did this sprout from my remark on the Adversary?

Well, I feel inclined to respond regardless as you make a valid point here.

When I influence an individual, it is with the utmost care as I want results. If I instill fear in a person, I want them to act in an irrational manor, thus giving me the opportunity to exploit their stupidity. Often the tactics are subtle enough to result in exactly the kind of change in accordance with my will that I desire. I can be open with this because I need not be trusted to begin with.

Now honest RESPECT, is a different world completely from simple fear. The very few who share a mutual respect with me understand exactly why that is, the rest do not matter one way or another.

It is for those who understand what I say that I do this. Otherwise, I would not waste my time.

Excellent post Eric.

[Eric T. Schuetz]

Actually, it did spawn from that earlier post. I felt that I needed to voice an opinion on the differences of the two, and where I stand. And it is good to always post good material from time to time ;)

[Eric T. Schuetz]

The issue with some of these men you mentioned is that many of their followers did respect them. They may have had some level of fear of them, but was it because they threatened them? Was it because he seemed "larger than life"? Or was it because when it came to making an example, they finished it with an exclamation point? I would have to wager on it being a fine mixture of the bunch. A slight dash of human emotion in any equation off sets the results in random directions.

I am not one to be feared, it is not my goal. I want to be respected. Maybe even a little revered.

Hey, it doesn't hurt to have goals, after all.

[Terrsaa]

Respect, Admiration, Fear. These three things have done wonders for any powerful person. Each one has it's own set of pro's and con's. They're like a band of musicians. You have to get the right mixture, to get the desired results. Or at least that has been my experience.