A lot of people turn the other cheek when they are disrespected publicly in front of important people. I will confess that at times I have felt both inhibited and sheepish in that situation, not wanting to cause a problem.

I have learned in my life that when dealing with that situation, it is important to confront it and not back down. This seems counter-productive but in the long run it is not.

If you accept disrespect once or twice, it sets a precedent that you are weak, and therefore you will never get respect.

It is true that respect can not be commanded, it must be earned.

It’s also true that not everyone thinks exactly like this.

Treat your friends and your enemies with respect always, and you can respect yourself.

Look in the mirror. Do you like what you see?

Sixty

Ruling the country is like cooking a small fish.
Approach the universe with Tao,
And evil will have no power.
Not that evil is not powerful,
But its power will not be used to harm others.
Not only will it do no harm to others,
But the sage himself will also be protected.
They do not hurt each other,
And the Virtue in each one refreshes both.

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tsu
Translation by Ray Burgess