Hold in esteem everyone and everything. Samurai have no reason to be cruel. They do not need to prove their strength. A samurai is courteous even to his enemies. Without this outward show of respect, we are nothing more than animals. A samurai is not only respected for his strength in battle, but also for his dealings with other men. The true inner strength of a Samurai becomes apparent during difficult times. Right action--a most essential quality
Most think of respect as how it is applied to those older than us. However, respect--as it is viewed in Bushido--is very similar to how it was viewed by almost every highly developed and spiritual culture throughout human history. Respect covers not only a reverence for those who hold authority or seniority over you, but it covers a humility toward all manner of life on this planet--and not only the type of life which happens to support our existence.
Once again, we must relinquish our desire to dominate and be selfish. Not only do we have to defer to and honor our elders, we must do the same for other men, women and children and set good examples of humility, which actually requires more strength and restraint than aggression or dominance--primal behavior born out of insecurity.
A practitioner of Bushido has nothing to prove, nor has any fear of being lessened by others. Always be courteous, humble and respectful, regardless of the situation.
The only exception would be when we must defend someone or something close or important to us. The best part of practicing this virtue is the reward it brings to the heart of the practitioner. However, don't do it for any possible reward; do it because it is the right thing to do.