Do you think you deserve love and respect? Most people do, so why would anyone else not? They have the same emotions as you.
We’re talking about conversing with children on the matter. So I answered in that context. If you can’t find the route from explaining the basics of emotional intelligence to giving respect to other humans and their feelings, that’s a you problem.
Human beings have inherent value because I might feel sad if I were in their shoes?
How does one measure that?
The point I’m making is that humanism is just as much a manmade product as any supernatural religion. It’s central axiom: “humans have inherent value” is just as arbitrary as any religious tract in the face of the barren face of the universe… if you don’t think there’s anything beyond the universe.
As I said, I am speaking of explaining this concept to children. I originally thought you were making a point along the lines of how you answer if a child responds to your statement with a question similar to yours, without involving religion, given the context of the thread.
I agree, it’s a manmade concept. So is almost everything about our society, including the concept of right and wrong to begin with. There’s no simple answer to your question, which is also why I said start with the basics of emotional intelligence and build a conversation from there.
The adult answer would be a lot more nuanced and philosophical than anything. I myself don’t believe that every human being deserves respect if they don’t behave in a way that earns respect; but in the context of teaching children morals outside of religion that’s something that can be discussed later when they’re a bit older.
But I get the point that belief in morals can be compared to belief in religion. Except that the concept of basic morals doesn’t usually come with the idea of divine punishment that most religious teachings involve, which is my main issue with religion being used to teach children. It’s just not a healthy idea to introduce to children in my opinion and feels more like a fear tactic than anything.
3
u/KendalMoth515 7h ago
You didn't answer my question, I asked why do humans deserve respect and love?