Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt. The Children Of Noah (№ 171166)

The Jewish religion insists on respect, while Christian love. So I think: is respect a feeling more profound than love? And in addition more real... to Love your enemy as Jesus, and when slapped, turn the other cheek is, of course, delicious, but not applicable in practice. <...> And yet, can love be a duty? Can I tell my heart? I don't think. But according to the great rabbis, respect is an ongoing duty. Now that seems to me possible. I can respect those who do not love, or those I care about. But to love them? And besides, is it necessary that I loved them if I respect them?