Репост из: Encyclopedia Britannica
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What Is the Real Meaning of Dignity?
Few people realize it's extraordinary impact on our lives
At about the same time that I realized the powerful role dignity played in resolving conflict, I also became aware of something else. Regardless of where in the world my work takes me, few people understand the true meaning of dignity, and even fewer realize the extraordinary impact it has on our lives and relationships.
That’s not to say that people don’t react when I use the word “dignity.” There is always an immediate recognition to the word and its importance, but when I ask people to define it, or tell me what it looks like to have their dignity honored, the conversation falters.
The most common response people offer is that dignity is about respect. To the contrary, dignity is not the same as respect. Dignity is our inherent value and worth as human beings; everyone is born with it. Respect, on the other hand, is earned through one’s actions.
The general lack of awareness about all matters relating to dignity (including my own) inspired me to learn more. professionally to help organizations, businesses, and associations build a culture of dignity. I used to teach people what dignity meant in practice. Before diving into to any conflict, I would sit with both sides and teach them lessons in dignity. When people truly understood what they were discussing, it shattered limitations on healing their emotional wounds.
After people learn about dignity, a remarkable thing happens. Everyone recognizes that we all have a deep, human desire to be treated as something of value. I believe that it is our highest common denominator.
This shared desire for dignity transcends all of our differences, putting our common human identity above all else.
While our uniqueness is important, history has shown us that if we don’t take the next step toward recognizing our shared identity, conflicts in our workplace, our personal lives, in our love life, and between nations will continue to abound.
The glue that holds all of our relationships together is the mutual recognition of the desire to be seen, heard, listened to, and treated fairly; to be recognized, understood, and to feel safe in the world. In relashioships you desire to be treated fairly, not being taken advantage of, not being stolen from, not being cheated at. When our identity is accepted and we feel included, we are granted a sense of freedom and independence and a life filled with hope and possibility. And when are given a true, whole hearted apology when someone does us harm- I am talking real apology not fake one to steal more from you- we recognize that even when we fall short of being our best selves, there is always a way to reconnect. “I’m sorry” are two of the most powerful words anyone can utter, if they are said with honesty.
Dignity has the potential to change the world, but only if people like to help to spread its profound message. Sign a Declaration of Dignity in your heart! Take time everyday to remind yourself and those around you the truth about how valuable we all are. In fact, we are born invaluable, priceless, and irreplaceable.
Simultaneously, never lose sight of your inherent vulnerability. We all know the gut feeling that results from being mistreated or neglected – it’s up to you to honor other peoples’ dignity.
In the process, you’ll strengthen your own. But never let thieves by stealing from you, make you lose hope in humanity. Those are doomed to destruction themselves.
What Is the Real Meaning of Dignity?
Few people realize it's extraordinary impact on our lives
At about the same time that I realized the powerful role dignity played in resolving conflict, I also became aware of something else. Regardless of where in the world my work takes me, few people understand the true meaning of dignity, and even fewer realize the extraordinary impact it has on our lives and relationships.
That’s not to say that people don’t react when I use the word “dignity.” There is always an immediate recognition to the word and its importance, but when I ask people to define it, or tell me what it looks like to have their dignity honored, the conversation falters.
The most common response people offer is that dignity is about respect. To the contrary, dignity is not the same as respect. Dignity is our inherent value and worth as human beings; everyone is born with it. Respect, on the other hand, is earned through one’s actions.
The general lack of awareness about all matters relating to dignity (including my own) inspired me to learn more. professionally to help organizations, businesses, and associations build a culture of dignity. I used to teach people what dignity meant in practice. Before diving into to any conflict, I would sit with both sides and teach them lessons in dignity. When people truly understood what they were discussing, it shattered limitations on healing their emotional wounds.
After people learn about dignity, a remarkable thing happens. Everyone recognizes that we all have a deep, human desire to be treated as something of value. I believe that it is our highest common denominator.
This shared desire for dignity transcends all of our differences, putting our common human identity above all else.
While our uniqueness is important, history has shown us that if we don’t take the next step toward recognizing our shared identity, conflicts in our workplace, our personal lives, in our love life, and between nations will continue to abound.
The glue that holds all of our relationships together is the mutual recognition of the desire to be seen, heard, listened to, and treated fairly; to be recognized, understood, and to feel safe in the world. In relashioships you desire to be treated fairly, not being taken advantage of, not being stolen from, not being cheated at. When our identity is accepted and we feel included, we are granted a sense of freedom and independence and a life filled with hope and possibility. And when are given a true, whole hearted apology when someone does us harm- I am talking real apology not fake one to steal more from you- we recognize that even when we fall short of being our best selves, there is always a way to reconnect. “I’m sorry” are two of the most powerful words anyone can utter, if they are said with honesty.
Dignity has the potential to change the world, but only if people like to help to spread its profound message. Sign a Declaration of Dignity in your heart! Take time everyday to remind yourself and those around you the truth about how valuable we all are. In fact, we are born invaluable, priceless, and irreplaceable.
Simultaneously, never lose sight of your inherent vulnerability. We all know the gut feeling that results from being mistreated or neglected – it’s up to you to honor other peoples’ dignity.
In the process, you’ll strengthen your own. But never let thieves by stealing from you, make you lose hope in humanity. Those are doomed to destruction themselves.