Well, it depends on what we consider respect to be. I would argue that respect is a healthy observance of one's personal boundaries, along with a sense of endearment or admiration. Merriam-Webster defines respect in a few ways, with the common definition being number 3 on the list, "high or special regard: esteem".
So, I think a healthy observance of ones personal boundaries is almost never a bad thing, but the endearment and/or admiration part can certainly go way too far. Respect is almost always related to or equated with power, and often wrongly so. Think of the comment you made to your coworker about the company you work for that you would never say to your boss... People would argue that your boss is "respected," but are they really? Or is it the power dynamic that leads people to be more conscious about their actions and words around your boss?
If respect is related to honesty, then "respect" almost certainly goes too far with a great many people. Wouldn't you be honest with someone that you truly respect? In this sense, we don't really respect our bosses, or priests, or superiors, or whoever else, we're simply conscious of the power dynamic between us and them.
So, I think a healthy observance of ones personal boundaries is almost never a bad thing, but the endearment and/or admiration part can certainly go way too far. Respect is almost always related to or equated with power, and often wrongly so. Think of the comment you made to your coworker about the company you work for that you would never say to your boss... People would argue that your boss is "respected," but are they really? Or is it the power dynamic that leads people to be more conscious about their actions and words around your boss?
If respect is related to honesty, then "respect" almost certainly goes too far with a great many people. Wouldn't you be honest with someone that you truly respect? In this sense, we don't really respect our bosses, or priests, or superiors, or whoever else, we're simply conscious of the power dynamic between us and them.
If you're frightened of dying, and you're holding on, you'll see devils tearing your life away. But if you've made your peace, then the devils are really angels, freeing you from the Earth.
