I think you learn respect when you are sensitive to nature and all its forms. I think it's about participating and appreciating what's around you and to be careful not to consume and waste or leave a trace. In climbing, we try to leave as little of a trace of our path as possible and that's about respect, too. Climbing is about being away from the material world too and gives you time to think more about your life and what's important to you. Whether it's the beauty of the environment, or being with your partner, or feeling of the movement.
Some people climb just to say they've done the hardest route.
Some people take it to extremes and actually change the rock so that they can climb it. They chip holds and add cement, so that it matches what they think the choreography should be. But I think if I can't adapt my form to the rock, then I shouldn't be doing it. I'd rather focus on the style of doing it than getting to the top at all costs. For me the energizing part lasts longer than the climb.