Respect is often seen as a quality we must earn from others, yet genuine respect comes as much from our actions and outlook as from any achievements. It is a quality that fosters understanding, deepens connections, and reveals the character of both the one giving and receiving it. Respect can uplift people in everyday interactions and often leaves a lasting impact, inspiring humility and kindness across social boundaries.
Respect for others: A reflection of one’s own character
This truth is exemplified in the life of Kōnosuke Matsushita, one of Japan’s most revered entrepreneurs. In a simple but telling moment, Matsushita invited friends to a restaurant, treating them to fine steaks. While his friends enjoyed their meals to the last bite, Matsushita only ate part of his, prompting concern from the restaurant manager, who worried there was an issue with the dish.
When settling the bill, Matsushita called the chef over and assured him: “The steak was delicious; I just have a poor appetite.” He emphasized that the chef had done an excellent job and that the manager should not hold him accountable. Deeply moved, the chef bowed, expressing his gratitude.
This gesture of Matsushita’s reveals a critical insight about respect: It is not earned solely by superiority, but often reflects the character of the person offering it. Despite his extraordinary success, Matsushita made it a point to treat everyone equally, honoring others regardless of their status. As one of Japan’s most outstanding entrepreneurs, he understood that only those willing to respect the “little people” truly embody what it means to be a great person. Respecting others, in fact, becomes a way of respecting oneself.
Respect for oneself: Humility as a path to growth
Respect is not only something we extend to others; it is also a quality we hold for ourselves. A dedicated medical practitioner in rural China, trained from a young age in herbal medicine and acupuncture, showed profound respect for knowledge and growth. Despite his expertise in traditional medicine, he recognized a growing societal shift. He chose to learn Western medicine at nearly 40 years of age, training under a younger doctor at a major hospital.
During surgeries, he often struggled to hold instruments correctly, prompting the surgeon to throw them to the floor and publicly chastise him. Yet, after each surgery, he thanked the surgeon for the lessons and reminders, remaining humble and respectful despite the harsh treatment. His self-respect and dedication enabled him to learn complex surgeries and create effective treatments. Though his children resented the humiliation he endured, he explained: “I am not enduring humiliation; I am respecting myself and the art of medicine. You should respect your teachers in the same way.”
The man’s approach to respect and humility became more apparent as the years passed. What might have seemed like enduring humiliation was, in fact, a profound respect for knowledge and dedication to his craft. He understood that respect for his own journey and purpose allowed him to learn and grow, regardless of how others viewed his efforts. His resilience and dignity transformed challenges into stepping stones, showing that respect — both for oneself and one’s work — can lead to unexpected achievements.
Respect in leadership: Building unity through humility
The transformative power of respect extends beyond personal relationships. Kazuo Inamori, known as Japan’s “Sage of Management,” shared insights into handling complex company issues. He believed that seemingly complicated conflicts often stemmed from simple oversights in respect, like neglecting to say “thank you” or “I’m sorry.” To promote harmony, Inamori instilled the motto “Respect Heaven and Love Others” in his companies, guiding his employees to honor the world and treat each other kindly. With this foundation, he built two Fortune 500 companies, proving that even in business, respect creates success and unity.
Whether extended to others, shown to oneself, or practiced as part of leadership, respect is a quality that brings out the best in people and organizations. These stories reveal how this fosters resilience, humility, and, ultimately, success. In all circumstances, respect can uplift both the giver and the receiver, becoming a quiet but profound force for personal and communal growth.
Translated by Eva
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