Respect

One theme throughout this book is respect. It is important to respect others and oneself by finding people interesting and learning from them. When children ask the question "why," as they often do, it is important to answer them so that they do not stop wondering about the world. Mrs. Cowles is cited as an example of someone who maintained her interest of people during her life and always respected the youth who came to visit her by truly listening to them, rather than assuming that, as an adult, she had all the answers. Many people have fears, but these fears can be assuaged by thinking about others instead of oneself. Likewise, it is important to accept others' limitations, such as in the example of the young woman whose husband constantly forgot birthdays and anniversaries; instead of becoming angry and hurt, she would simply remind him of the...