Comment by bmicraft
5 days ago
I really don't get why just the concept of deserving respect for having lived longer - why does that make you more deserving of respect, irrespective of how you lived?
5 days ago
I really don't get why just the concept of deserving respect for having lived longer - why does that make you more deserving of respect, irrespective of how you lived?
Just the fact that they lived so much longer. And are usually more wise in life experience.
That doesn't mean I tolerate old farts shouting at my children for being young. Or excuse shitty behavior in general.
But the default for me is paying respect for the elders. Offering them my seat in the train if there is no other, etc.
> Just the fact that they lived so much longer.
But... why does living longer in and of itself command an extra degree of respect?
> And are usually more wise in life experience.
assertion ;)
> That doesn't mean I tolerate old farts shouting at my children for being young. Or excuse shitty behavior in general.
> But the default for me is paying respect for the elders.
> Offering them my seat in the train if there is no other, etc.
I offer old people my seat because they'll likely feel pain if they have to stand up for a while, they might fall down if the bus goes bump, etc. I won't be pained by standing up for 45 minutes so it doesn't really come at any cost to me.
i.e. I'm not giving up my seat because I respect old people for being old.
> Just the fact that they lived so much longer.
That's not a reason, you're just repeating the question. "Having lived long" is a value neutral statement of fact. How do you derive value from that?
> And are usually more wise in life experience.
So is that your true/only reason, a statistical probability of "knowing more"?
"That's not a reason, you're just repeating the question. "Having lived long" is a value neutral statement of fact. How do you derive value from that?"
It is a reason in itself.
I don't know if I manage to live 10 years more, not speaking of 50 years more.
Living long is a achievent on its own, not be brought down early by life. Because there is a lot that life has to offer to bring you down.
That requires a minimum of wisdom.
2 replies →
Think of it more as a little extra atop the basic courtesy due to all people (unless they prove otherwise).
I see basic courtesy as required, but respect must be earned and can be withdrawn. Respect is earned through good behavior, not by simply growing old.