Acharya Prashant addresses the common desire to receive respect while living life on one's own terms. He explains that while this is possible, it is not achievable through the conventional understanding of respect. He distinguishes between two types of respect: the first is a mere code of conduct or behavior, such as bowing or following protocols, which is often rooted in fear and dependency. This conventional respect makes an individual a beggar of others' opinions, forcing them to trade their freedom for social validation. He notes that 99% of mankind lives this way, sacrificing intrinsic freedom for worthless, artificial respectability. The second meaning of respect is derived from the root word 'spec', meaning to see. Acharya Prashant defines true respect as 'seeing again' or 'looking closely' with love and understanding. This form of respect is essentially awareness and is not dependent on anyone else. He emphasizes that an intelligent person prioritizes self-respect, which he defines as self-awareness. Self-respect involves understanding one's own mind, actions, and motivations rather than seeking external approval. By focusing on self-awareness, the conflict between respect and freedom disappears. Instead of choosing between the two, one achieves both respect and freedom through the honest understanding of oneself.