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

Utopia is only possible when all its members has resolved any issues with regard to R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Scott Peck's concept of civility is also built on a foundation of individual's respect for each other, as well as respect for society as a whole. Without respect, there is no trust; without trust, there is no society, much less utopia.

What is R-E-S-P-E-C-T exactly? It means associating some value with an individual. In a liberal democracy, it means placing equal value on all individuals, regardless of class, birth, creed, or social status. Indeed, the concept of social status is oxymoronic in a true liberal democracy, in utopia. Referring to the society of Gene Roddenberry's creation, Star Fleet has ranks only to facilitate organizational discipline. Within Federation society, anyone can rise to become admiral, or whatever. Status merely refers to a person's functions within certain context. Outside of that context, an admiral would have to wait in line just like any other cadet.

Respect is to value someone's existence, someone's abilities, someone's opinions, that the person's life has contributed something to society, that the person's existence is worthy. Respect is not measured in terms of a person's net worth, contrary to the inclination in our materialistic society. Respect is not measured by a person's accomplishment, contrary to the natural inclination of a society obsessed with so called success. Respect is not even measured by any numerical or tangible measures. It is simply the totality of how one person treats another person, the tone of the interaction between two people. It is neither earned nor can it be demanded. Respect can be given, from one person to another. However, it can only be sustained when there is mutual respect; when it is returned in kind. To demand respect without first giving it, is disrepectful in itself.

The type of respect that existed in feudal society, given by the subordinates to their king or lord, is not really the sustainable respect that is required in utopia. As Francis Fukuyama pointed out in his controverial book, "The End of History and the Last Man", a king can only be respected by his peer, other kings. Without equality and mutual respect, the kowtowing of subjects is mere superficial trapping of power. And power corrupts, so that rarely can an absolute ruler enjoy the honest respect of subjects.

In utopia, all individuals respect one another as equal, just as it says in the American Declaration of Independence, that everyone has the self-evident right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is neither earned nor measured, but self-evident and undeniable.

The troubles in today's world stem from many different factors, but chief among them is the lack of respect in all parties concerned. Even, and perhaps especially, among those who are most pious in their religious faith, the lack of respect for others creates an atmosphere of alienation, of distrust, that no amount of negotiation, no amount of diplomacy can fix. Christ taught us to love our enemies. Before love, there must be at least respect. At least, it is one step in the right direction away from hatred.

Mutual respect is important not only to sustain the relationship between two people, but also for the self-esteem of each person individually. In addition to the other physical needs, human beings require the validation from others, beginning with family and friends, and expanding in the circle of social interaction, to acquaintances and strangers. Those who cannot respect others are either the ones who have difficulty respecting themselves, or those who are so self-centered that they cannot relate to others as equal. They are the people described by Scott Peck in his book, "People of the Lie", who are so self-absorbed, that they can only relate to others as extention of themselves, not in the normal I-You relationship, or better yet, the respectful, I-Thou relationship, but only as I-It. So that other people become either property to own, to control, to manipulate, or to destroy. In utopia, all relationships must be I-Thou, or at least I-You where each person must be willing to give the other person the respect, the time, the space, the whatever it takes, to be, to live, to pursue happiness.

Without mutual respect, utopia is but an academic dream of little substance and the world as we know it can only run down with entropy, or worse, go up in the chaotic nano-bio-smart techical smoke of Bill Joy's nightmare dystopia.