“With a certain talent for rhetoric, as well as an absolute certainty about the merits of my own views, I found that I could generally win these arguments, in the narrow sense of leaving my grandfather flustered, angry, and sounding unreasonable. But at some point, perhaps in my senior year, such victories started to feel less satisfying. I started thinking about the struggles and disappointments he had seen in his life. I started to appreciate his need to feel respected in his own home. I realized that abiding by his rules would cost me little, but to him it would mean a lot. I recognized that sometimes he really did have a point, and that in insisting on getting my own way all the time, without regard to his feelings or needs, I was in some way diminishing myself.”
Source: The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream
“It is the thinness of a single pane of glass that protects the life in the greenhouse from the cold of the winter. And we would be wise to remember that so many of the things that protect us are just as fragile.”
“Don't just ask for an apology. Apologize by pointing out what you are really sorry for. And when you do,
Do it sincerely and whole-heartedly.”
“When you make that mental leap--when you think of the amazing gift of your health and your life in the context of all the nearly incomprehensible forces of the universe pulling toward chaos--it reorients you, imbuing you with a deep respect for the immensely beautiful and intricate design of life on earth.”
Source: Survival of the Sickest: The Surprising Connections Between Disease and Longevity (P.S.) by Sharon Moalem, William Morrow
“Instead of criticizing each other, Let's applause, encourage, elevate & respect.”
“Our discussion of equity was quite wide-ranging and went far beyond the matter of treating similarly meritorious individuals similarly and into the domain of also treating all individuals with a baseline level of respect and autonomy.”
Source: Practical Fairness: Achieving Fair and Secure Data Models
“Fear is not a prerequisite for respect.”
“Below you’ll discover how to say no in a way that is clear, respectful, and loving, while still maintaining your boundaries.”
Source: Not Nice: Stop People Pleasing, Staying Silent, & Feeling Guilty... And Start Speaking Up, Saying No, Asking Boldly, And Unapologetically Being Yourself
“Whenever you’re being verbally assaulted, attacked, and accused, your goal must be to command respect because Tanks simply don’t attack people they respect. Aggressive people require assertive responses. Your behavior must send a clear signal that you are strong and capable because anything less is an invitation for further attacks.”
Source: Dealing with People You Can't Stand: How to Bring Out the Best in People at Their Worst
“Making clear that there could be a negative outcome—and that you are willing to do whatever is necessary—can not only get the other person's attention but also, in some cases, increase respect for you. Being willing to fight hard for what you believe in often engenders admiration.”
Source: Influence Without Authority