sacrip wrote:
What proves them "worthy" of respect in your eyes? Intelligence? Kindness? Certain political views? Deciding not to respect someone until they meet your criteria is rather like saying someone is guilty until proven innocent. It makes you less friends and friendly acquaintances overall, and it keeps you from associating with people who you would otherwise learn from.
Everyone discriminates. That is the basis of friendships. I'm not saying we should all push away people we don't like yet. Just that some people are worth listening to and some aren't. I wouldn't listen to someone spouting insults at me and I would have more of an incentive to listen to people who, in the past, have given me valuable information.
johnsmcjohn wrote:
I find two things worthy of respect: Kindness and intelligence. And if I have to pick one, I'd choose kindness.
I'd choose only kindness. People can be good without being "intelligent."