Is respect earned or given?

I also think it should be both. People should generally be respected as fellow human beings, but there is also another type of respect that is earned which gives a person a certain aura of using their presence on earth to make the world a better place. One earns respect by respecting others.

"Good drivers earn the respect of other drivers." - drivers ed. course

With out a doubt respect is something that is always earned. Never given.

Respect is given to those who earn it

Respect of authority is earned
Respect of basic human rights should be a given

Basic respect is given, like respecting the right to live.
Higher respect is earned.

I try to be respectful to others. I shouldn't expect them to do the same, because many people don't, but it would be better if they did. I don't associate with people who lose my respect, If I can help it.

What is respect?

It depends. In most cases, I try not to judge people and give them the benefit of the doubt until they prove otherwise. There's also situations where respect HAS to be earned. For example, if you go to a job interview, you have to show you're right for the job and earn their respect. The job isn't just gonna be given to the first person that walks through the door.

I also agree it goes both ways. I think in general, elders and authorities should be respected. But in other cases, such as if someone works hard for a goal, I think they should be shown some respect. Say, for example, a person quits smoking.

Given when earned.

With your stupid attitude, "made thousands of mistakes during their life time", I guess you'll make every single one of them, too. And more, to be sure.
A smart person would try to learn from those who came before, so they don't have to repeat, "thousands of mistakes during their life time".
Dumbass!

I agree with both. I show others respect, and therefore they can show me respect in return, then we have both earned it mutually.

earned it is really hard to win back once you screw up

Depends on how you are defining respect. If you mean should I treat other people with basic politeness, then yes, until they demonstrate that they don't deserve it. If you mean should I trust and admire them, then no, people earn that.

Both. I try to have respect for everyone, but I respect my superiors more.