Happy Humpday Haiku #39

Authority

A respect that is

Given, not taken. Deserved,

Never entitled. 

            For those reading this who know me to some degree on a personal level, you know that I have my issues with authority. My case stems from the following thought process: a) everyone possesses the same means to personal autonomy, b) if you abide by your own personal creed (granted your creed does no one any additional harm) you would be better off by not placing any weight to another's opinions or dictums. Then again, I fond that I am fully capable of making my own decisions, fulfilling my own wishes, and reaping the consequences of my own actions (then again, how many other twenty-somethings have said that before). I realize there are those who need direction or guidance in their lives. I just don't think I'm one of them. 

            The instances are few and far in between where I come across an individual who is likeminded and abides by a similar set of codes. Perhaps some are better suited than the ones I hold dear. In such a case I take it upon myself to know this person and how they came to such a state. It is with these individuals where my deepest respects lie. A person who is able to help another through their own model behavior deserves respect, for their wisdom is not forced upon another. This is a testament to true authority. 

            Someone who tries to mimic this kind of instance through institutionalized means and practices ultimately fails to recognize the underlying respect with which such a relationship is built on. And so it follows, those with respect are should be granted more authority, but it does not follow that those with authority should be respected. The question is, how can we tell between those who have a legitimate right to our respect, and those who have committed spiritual fraud in order to garner our respect?