Summary
This quote highlights the distinction between respect and fear as separate emotions or attitudes. While respect involves admiration, appreciation, and reverence towards someone or something, fear stems from apprehension, anxiety, and phobia. It implies that respecting someone does not necessarily require instilling fear in them, as these two emotions can exist independently. Respect is built on understanding, empathy, and recognizing worth, while fear is generally associated with power, intimidation, and coercion. Therefore, this quote emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between these two distinct emotions in our interactions and relationships.
Topics
Fear
By Jane Smiley