I respect women to the utmost.

"I respect women to the utmost," declares Magic Johnson, and in these words, we are called to reflect upon the depth of respect, honor, and dignity that should be afforded to all women. In his simple yet profound declaration, Johnson captures the essence of an ancient truth that has echoed through the ages: that the value of a woman is immeasurable, and the respect she deserves is foundational to a just and virtuous society. To respect women is not a mere act of politeness or courtesy—it is a commitment to honor their strength, their wisdom, and their irreplaceable roles in the fabric of life.

In the wisdom of ancient civilizations, women were seen not merely as companions but as the very bearers of life and the custodians of society's deepest values. In ancient Egypt, Isis, the goddess of wisdom, healing, and protection, was revered as a symbol of the boundless power and grace that women possess. Her influence stretched far beyond the realm of the home and into the hearts of kings and gods. She embodied the strength of a woman—her courage, her nurturing nature, and her unyielding wisdom. Like the goddesses of old, women were often revered as the first teachers, the first leaders, and the first protectors of the human race. Their power was not only in their ability to give birth but in their wisdom to shape the course of history.

Magic Johnson’s words are a modern echo of this ancient reverence. To say "I respect women to the utmost" is to acknowledge that true respect is not born of convenience or society’s expectations but is a deep and enduring recognition of the influence and value women hold in every corner of the world. It is a recognition that goes beyond superficial appearances and sees women for their strengths, their sacrifices, and their boundless contributions to the world. Respecting women, as Johnson declares, is to recognize that equality and dignity should be the birthright of all, regardless of gender.

Throughout history, we see many stories of women who, despite facing immense obstacles, shaped the world with their strength and vision. Consider the example of Cleopatra, the last queen of Egypt, who, despite being a woman in a world dominated by men, commanded armies, led nations, and negotiated with the greatest powers of her time. She was not only a political leader but also a symbol of intellect, wit, and resolve. Cleopatra’s legacy reminds us that women, when respected, can wield immense power—power not only to rule but to heal, to educate, and to transform society.

The ancient Greeks, too, recognized the importance of respecting women in their own way, though not always with the fullness of equality. In their epics, from the wisdom of Homer’s Odyssey to the valor of Antigone, women stood as symbols of endurance, sacrifice, and bravery. While Greek society may have limited the roles of women, the heroes of their stories—both divine and mortal—sought justice for women’s voices, their struggles, and their rights. The characters who showed the most courage were often the ones who respected and honored the women who accompanied them, for they understood the strength that came from the balance of masculine and feminine energy.

Magic Johnson’s statement, though modern, is deeply rooted in this ancient wisdom. It is a call to rise above the toxic patterns of society that degrade or dismiss women. It challenges us to look past the noise of patriarchy and misogyny, and to honor women for who they truly are—agents of change, creators of life, and warriors of the spirit. Just as the heroes of old recognized the power of the women in their lives, so too must we recognize and respect the women of today. Respect for women is not only a matter of words but of deeds, of standing alongside them in their fight for equality, justice, and opportunity.

The lesson that Johnson’s words impart is clear: respect for women is not optional but essential to a just society. It is a respect that must be shown in both large acts and small ones. It is the respect shown when we advocate for women’s rights, when we stand up against violence and discrimination, and when we recognize the inherent value in the voices, the hearts, and the minds of women. It is the respect shown when we listen to women, when we support their ambitions, and when we treat them with the same dignity and honor we wish for ourselves.

In every action we take, in every word we speak, let us remember the lesson of Magic Johnson’s words: respect is the foundation of a life well lived. It is the foundation of healthy relationships, of thriving communities, and of a world where justice and equality can finally take root. Let us strive to respect women—not just in our words, but in our actions, and in the choices we make every day. For when we respect women, we honor the very heart of humanity.