Spiritual Sparks: R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Originally published in Spiritual Sparks on June 4, 2026.

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The CEO of Charles Schwab once shared the most important lesson of his career.

Surprisingly, it began with failure. As a college senior, he had maintained a perfect 4.0 average and was determined to graduate with straight A's. In one business course, he studied intensely for the final exam, expecting pages of calculations and case studies.

Instead, the professor handed out a single sheet of paper. Both sides were blank. Then the students were told to turn the page over and answer the one question written there.

It was the only college exam he ever failed. Why?

✨3 Ideas

1. Respect begins with recognition

Rushed and distracted, we move through life barely noticing the people around us: the cashier, the janitor, the waiter. Yet one of our deepest human needs is to feel seen and acknowledged.

Every human being possesses inherent value. Beneath our appearance, accomplishments, and status lies a spiritual essence worthy of dignity.

Giving another person our full attention affirms their humanity. Respect begins with the simple recognition that every person has innate value.

2. Ego makes other people disappear

Walter Cronkite once waved enthusiastically to boaters he thought were saying, "Hello, Walter!" His wife quietly corrected him: "They were actually yelling, 'Low water.'"

Ego has a way of seeing everything as being about us. Consumed with our own ambitions, concerns, and schedules, we often fail to notice the people around us.

Recognizing the worth of others requires stepping outside our private world. Respect begins to grow when we notice those standing right in front of us.

3. Respect honors the dignity within others

Dignity is revealed through acts of respect: learning someone's name, listening attentively, and thanking those who are often overlooked.

A person's dignity depends not on achievement, intelligence, or status, but on the spiritual essence they possess. Respect does not create dignity: it recognizes the dignity already present.

When memory fades or disagreement exists, the human soul is still deserving of respect. Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is help another person feel seen.

📜2 Quotes

"You have made [human beings] a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor." — Psalms 8:4

"I'm not concerned with your liking me or disliking me … All I ask is that you respect me as a human being." — Jackie Robinson

❓1 Question

Is there someone in your life with whom you are at odds, yet whom you could treat with deeper respect?

It was the only college exam the CEO ever failed. Why?

Because after all his hours of studying formulas and business strategies, he couldn't answer the single question, "What's the name of the lady who cleans this building?" Her name was Dottie.

The CEO later said that the experience left a lifelong impression upon him. He had seen Dottie countless times, but had never taken the time to learn her name. Since then, he has tried to know every "Dottie" in his life.

One of the greatest gifts we can give another person is simply to notice them.

Until next time, Wishing you a week of recognizing the humanity within every person you meet,

Rabbi Ze'ev Smason

P.S. Has someone ever made you feel truly valued and respected? How did they do it? I'd love to hear that story if you'd like to share.

P.P.S. If this message resonated with you, please feel free to forward to a friend.