R-E-S-P-E-C-T

"Knowledge will give you power, but character will give you respect." -Bruce Lee

To me, it means that if you have knowledge, you can do many things. Knowledge makes you powerful. But if you have character, people will respect you. Knowledge will not make you look into your reflection in the mirror, the strength of your character will. Character gives you the courage to keep your head up with pride and honor, something that knowledge will not always give.

If you have knowledge and you know how to put it into use, you have the key to many things in this world. With knowledge comes power. But if you don’t have character, no amount of knowledge will get you your true respect. Respect is something that you have to deserve, to earn with your actions. Just because you are older than someone does not make you more powerful of them and certainly does not make you demand respect and attention. You have to be worthy to have someone’s respect. Knowledge can’t make anyone think well of you or to respect you. It can’t make you control what others think of you. It is only the character that will make you worthy of true respect. Character gives you a life of honor and integrity. It makes you respected by everyone, even by those who don’t like you.

By your actions, you teach people how to treat you. Don't ever get comfortable with someone disrespecting you. Seek respect, not attention. It lasts longer.