Respect and Contempt have Consequences

What do you base your life and work on – respect or contempt?

It’s a crucial choice.

Whatever you do, from politics to comedy, writing, photography, customer service, fashion design, and leadership, what do you call to in the people who meet you and your work – respect or contempt?

What effect do you want to have on people with your thoughts, the words you use, and the actions you take? A good effect or a bad effect?

And let’s go deeper – what effect does your choice for respect or contempt have on your mind and body?

Philosopher and poet Eli Siegel defines contempt this way:

“There is a disposition in every person to think they will be for themselves by making less of the outside world.”

Making less is as simple as thinking ?– “I’d never wear that coat. Tasteless!” And that same desire for contempt is at the heart of the world’s greatest atrocities – war, racism, white supremacy, misogyny, human trafficking – seeing other people, races, cultures, beliefs, and life choices as less meaningful than you.

What kind of life do you want to lead?

Will you choose good taste or bad taste – goodwill or ill will – kindness or harm – love or hate – respect or contempt?

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Thanks – Michael (he, him)