In our quest for self-expression and personal growth, respect becomes a powerful tool that allows us to free ourselves from self-deception and see the world as it is.

Respect: The Gateway to Authenticity

In our quest for self-expression and personal growth, respect becomes a powerful tool that allows us to free ourselves from self-deception and see the world as it is. Instead of endless immersion in our thoughts and an excessive focus on the "self," we should pay attention to true values—the mind, soul, freedom, and body—which exist outside of our subjective notions. This approach helps shift our focus from internal self-aggrandizement to an objective perception of the surrounding reality.

A genuine approach is based on a careful and respectful attitude not only toward ourselves but also toward others. By acknowledging the significance of both our own lives and the lives of those around us, we begin to soberly assess our abilities and limitations, thereby freeing ourselves from the illusions of inflated self-esteem or, conversely, self-deprecation. This balance enables us to accept reality with all its nuances and complexities, letting go of false ideas of our own exclusivity.

In conclusion, respect is not merely a moral stance but a conscious choice that leads to sincere communication with oneself and the surrounding world. With this view on life, self-deception disappears, giving way to honesty, objectivity, and a deep sense of wonder at the mystery of existence.

Can the expression of respect toward a person be seen as a renunciation of self-deception in all its forms?

Indeed, the expression of respect can be regarded as a way to renounce self-deception—precisely because by openly recognizing the value of both our inner world and the gifts bestowed upon each person, we reject an excessive focus on our own "self"—whether it is distorted, inflated, or even feigned—which is the essence of self-deception.

For example, one argument emphasizes that “instead of 'digging within oneself,' there should be, and indeed must be, respect—and necessarily wonder—not for my intellect as my own, but as such, for the soul and its actions, for boundless freedom, for the body, not as mine, but as a phenomenon” (source: link txt). Here, the author clearly contrasts excessive self-immersion, often accompanied by self-deception, with a careful, respectful attitude toward the external world. This approach implies the renunciation of illusory self-aggrandizement or attempts to convince oneself of the exclusivity of one’s ‘self,’ that is, a rejection of self-deception.

Additionally, another text points out that the foundation of morality is respect toward both oneself and others (source: link txt). Recognizing the value of both one’s own life and the lives of those around us forces us to objectively evaluate our abilities and limitations, which helps avoid self-deception that is often associated with underestimating or overestimating our own qualities.

Thus, respect for a person, extended to both oneself and others, implies an honest attitude toward reality—both internal and external. It requires acknowledging objective gifts and possibilities while rejecting false judgments based on inflated self-esteem or, conversely, self-deprecation, which is essentially a renunciation of self-deception in all its forms.

Supporting citation(s):
“Instead of 'digging within oneself' there should be, and indeed must be, respect—and necessarily wonder—not for my intellect as mine, but as such, for the soul and its actions, for boundless freedom, for the body, not as mine, but as a phenomenon.” (source: link txt)

“The foundation of morality is respect: for oneself, for others, for the surrounding world and circumstances. To respect a person means to consider them important, significant, worthy of honor…” (source: link txt)