Many think that respect automatically implies agreement. It does not. In fact it shines out best when there is disagreement. We also tend to use it as a synonym for admiration. But it is not that either.

Respect is to allow for the other person whatever rights we claim for ourselves. Whatever freedom we use in making our choices, we freely grant to the others – even if their choice is totally at odds against our personal values. Mutual respect means that we ourselves are granted that same freedom by the others out there.

Respect will never allow us to look down our noses at those who differ from us and call them names and hurl insulting epithets or slip in damaging insinuations couched in rhetor and hyperbole. To be able to respectfully disagree is a virtue and will in turn bring respect even from critics and antagonists.

Respect will bring credibility to our findings.