dreamsmp drabbles

what's the true meaning of respect?

"if respect is the only thing protecting you from a knife in the back... respect is nothing... right?"

respect will not protect you from betrayal; it will keep people honest with you, to your face. it will ensure that those around you wait until you're out of earshot before they speak ill of you. it will never protect you, and it cannot shield you.

how are you respected, eret? as king? as a friend? as someone who was willing to sell out his companions and fail to make amends? as a neutral party who always ends up on the wrong side?

how will this respect serve as your guard?

respect is nothing, eret, because it is others' respect for you, for your prowess, whether on a throne or in battle, that will lead them to slipping a knife between your ribs and through your spine to stop you from hindering them in the future.

the only shield for betrayal is leaving no one capable of betraying you, and gaining their respect is not the same as leaving them no ties to sever.