A society driven by the former promotes service, tolerance, compromise, and progress, whereas a society driven by the latter is preoccupied with acquisition, confrontation, and advocacy. When we fail to meet our responsibilities to others, they are forced to insist on their rights. Focusing on responsibilities removes the mind-set of giving something without return and of taking something without making a contribution. Both these attitudes are detrimental to the human spirit and create a society that is neither productive nor caring. It includes respect for other people's point of view and valuing diversity.
Respect is the foundation for building communities.
In addition to the four principles listed above, fire can play a central role in guiding us toward achieving shared visions. Pulling us toward it, it encourages us toward each other. For those who understand the meaning of the Central Fire, there can be no explanation. No one of the People was the Fire. Yet the Fire was their Center, their gathered energy mounting skyward, like their prayers, toward the Reality which lies beyond.