# Respect and Stupidity By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2023-03-26 When speaking to someone with a stereotypical level of success such as an executive or proclaimed expert, we assume what they are saying is meaningful and intelligent. After all, they got to where they are for a reason. Assuming that they got there because of merit provides less downside than assuming they got there because of luck. If you assume they got there by luck, you'll likely overlook those who are really worth listening to and default to disrespect. On the other side, you'll give everyone respect but have to listen to every mundane and stupid thing ever said. The pivotal idea is the role of respect in meeting someone. Should we respect everyone? Probably not. Should we respect everyone in a successful position? Again, probably not. Yet, the latter goes against the grain of our modern industrial culture. The trouble is the turmoil created by trying to respect everyone while knowing that many have nothing meaningful to say. Here external respect often results in internalized respect and vice versa. Maintaining a dual identity is challenging and often inauthentic. However, if you acknowledge this is the way things are, perhaps you can elevate this duplicity into an authentic paradox. I can respect you and think you are a moron at the same time. Similarly, I can disrespect you and think you are brilliant. Embracing the paradox keeps your mind sharp and forces you to reflect and develop yourself, which is more important regardless of the brilliant and stupid things happening around you. #### Related Items [[Stupid]] [[Respect]] [[Thinking]] [[Paradox]] [[Success]]