Give and Take Respect

A Universal Truth

Respect is a universal human need, yet one of the most misunderstood values in modern society. In a world driven by power, position, and entitlement, many demand respect without understanding how it is earned or sustained. Give and Take Respect: A Universal Truth offers a thoughtful, experience-based exploration of respect as a reciprocal and timeless principle.
Drawing from decades of disciplined service, leadership experience, and real-life observations, Wing Commander (Retd.) M. K. Devidasan examines respect in its many forms—within families, workplaces, educational institutions, hierarchical systems, and society at large. The book challenges the belief that authority, age, or wealth automatically commands respect, emphasizing instead that respect flows from character, humility, empathy, and fairness.
Through practical insights and reflective narratives, the author reveals how arrogance, ego, and misuse of power destroy respect, while humane discipline, ethical leadership, and self-respect build lasting influence. Special attention is given to real-world situations where respect is denied and how individuals can respond with dignity without losing self-worth.
This book is not a lecture, but a mirror—inviting readers to introspect, reassess attitudes, and realign behavior. It serves as a guide for leaders seeking loyalty rather than fear, parents nurturing emotionally healthy children, professionals building respectful workplaces, and individuals striving for meaningful relationships.
Give and Take Respect: A Universal Truth reminds us of a simple yet powerful law of life: when respect is given sincerely, it returns multiplied—strengthening character, relationships, and society itself.