Humans are the most superior living beings on Earth, and as such, are on a higher level than that of animals. Men have the ability of reasoning, thought, progress and inventiveness, and thus have formed civilizations. In this view, one would expect that such civilizations are based on cultured and refined aspects, unlike those of animals. However, a question remains. Is humanity run by savage instincts or by the very aspects that distinguish humankind? In other words, are men ruled by fear or respect?
Philosopher John Locke has stated that 'fear is an uneasiness of the mind, upon the thought of future evil likely to befall us.' This is an attractive way of describing something that does not flatter mankind. If we take a look at religion, or the army, that have successfully endured all the changes in history - it may seem that respect is in the basis of them, but this is only a mere scratch at the surface of the matter.
Portrait of John Locke, by Sir Godfrey Kneller. Oi...
Law was an ardent disciple of John Locke.
Friedrich NietzscheIsn't respect and tolerance a two way street? We love, desire and hope, only in respect of pleasure; whereas we hate, fear, and grieve, only in respect of pain. Most religions revolve around fear of punishment, and expectance of a reward. In regard to this, Nietzsche said, 'God has died'. He means to say that by doing this, God has left a place for the 'Super-man' who is not weak, and does not require protection from the unknown, from his own fear.
With this said, it is difficult to argue that there is any place for respect. However, if we take a close look at power, it is possible to distinguish the significance of the role that respect plays in creating it. The three sources for the creation of power, as listed by Morgenthau, are...