more on this theme | more from this thinker | more from this text
Full Idea
Humans have only one obligation: respect. The obligation is only performed if the respect is effectively expressed in a real, not a fictitious, way; and this can only be done through the medium of Man's earthly needs.
Gist of Idea
Respect is our only obligation, which can only be expressed through deeds, not words
Source
Simone Weil (The Need for Roots [1943], I 'Needs')
Book Ref
Weil,Simone: 'The Need for Roots' [Routledge 2002], p.6
A Reaction
She says man's 'eternal destiny' imposes this obligation. I read this as saying that you should not imagine that you treat people respectfully if you are merely polite to them. Col. Pickering and Eliza Doolittle! Respect is the supreme virtue.