The Meaning of Dignity - Donna Hicks

Dr. Donna Hicks, author of the best-selling book Dignity: Its Essential Role in Resolving Conflict, has gained worldwide recognition for her unique approach to transforming conflict by shedding light on our universal desire to be treated with dignity. Dr. Hicks has 25 years of experience as a facilitator of international conflicts in the Middle East, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Cuba, Northern Ireland and the United States. Her unique focus on dignity and the essential role it plays in resolving conflict has transformed work environments for the world’s most prominent companies, non-profits and governmental agencies.

[isatousarr]

Dignity is a fundamental concept that speaks to the intrinsic worth and value of every human being. It is often understood as a quality or state of being that involves self-respect, a sense of honor, and the recognition of one's inherent rights and responsibilities. Dignity is not simply about social status or external recognition, but about how individuals are treated with respect, fairness, and equality, regardless of their background or circumstances.

In ethical, philosophical, and human rights discussions, dignity is often seen as an essential component of human well-being and a cornerstone of justice. It recognizes that each person has the right to live a life free from humiliation, degradation, or exploitation. The idea of dignity emphasizes respect for individual autonomy, self-expression, and personal choices. It also highlights the importance of treating others with empathy, understanding, and compassion, recognizing their humanity in all interactions.

At the societal level, dignity can inform policies and actions that aim to uphold the rights of individuals, protect marginalized groups, and ensure that everyone has access to opportunities for growth and fulfillment. It can shape discussions on inequality, social justice, and the creation of systems that value and uplift individuals, rather than dehumanizing them.

Dignity is also closely linked to the concept of equality. When dignity is respected, all people, regardless of race, gender, age, or socioeconomic status, are afforded the same level of respect and rights. This connection often underscores the push for fairness in legal, educational, and healthcare systems, aiming to create environments where dignity is upheld for all.

Overall, dignity is an ideal that transcends cultural and historical contexts, as it is rooted in the recognition of humanity and the belief that every person has inherent worth. It is a principle that must be continuously nurtured through ethical actions, laws, and attitudes that foster respect for others, ultimately contributing to a more just and compassionate world.

[Curious-im]

This is a word I haven't heard for a while

[tinkzzebon]

Who watched this at school; at work or at home with friends and or family ? Not enuf of us ?!.

[morganmayfair]

So, everyone has Inate value, dignity… and we treat them and ourselves with respect, while also allowing for their and our own shadow/clay feet.

[VijayRagMalimNawar]

I think respect not necessarily means having earned. It often reflects oneself on having consideration for others like for example the elderly, kids, your parents and etc.

[aheard]

She has deeper spiritual values than what she says.

[cortext_io]

Dignity seems to have a dynamic threshold in each of us... is "dignity on both sides" - as an agreed upon predicate in a deliberative assembly - more possible in a high-context society?

[emanmahmoud]

I think Your dignity is your self esteem and self respect but now you clarifies the difference between them . Thanks a lot

[catalinamarquez]

Good morning beautiful people.hapoy Tuesday ❤

[SR-vozg]

Very well explained, yes I do agree that respect has to be earned 👍

[Curious-im]

I will look in the bag and I would have said.. give it to someone who needs it

[Panda-csly]

Thank you for your insight and your books. 💯❤🎉

[jadawooten]

We as women my beat that and not let anyone take advantage of it

[nicknapoleon]

dignity
DIGNITY, n. L., worthy.

True honor; nobleness or elevation of mind, consisting in a high sense of propriety, truth and justice, with an abhorrence of mean and sinful actions; opposed to meanness. In this sense, we speak of the dignity of mind, and dignity of sentiments. This dignity is based on moral rectitude; all vice is incompatible with true dignity of mind. The man who deliberately injures another, whether male or female, has no true dignity of soul.

Propriety is maintaining a state of mind that is morally sound that results in thoughts, words, actions, and good moral character that is socially beneficial, favorable, and acceptable to ones Community.

[Person]

Ms. Hicks,

I’m confused. If dignity is so simple and you don’t want to overcomplicate it, why won’t you stop talking?

Every time I hear the word dignity now, I experience severe PTSD that brings me back to your horrendous work.

Dignity, dignity, dignity. How many times must you say that word? Pick a new topic or get lost.

[davidl]

I think in the case of humor being an affirmation of dignity. It holds as long as the dynamic doesn't go into sadism backed by narcicism. Example- a pimp taking money from a John telling the John she's dumb enough to do about anything, lol.
Much different than a speaker at a podium passing gas while saying we need to save our natural resources.

[vapingrenegade]

Worth is earned not given you weren't born with worth you build worth to the decisions you make in life.

[joeschmoe]

God took away my dignity the day I got a stroke.

[megsmall]

Really admire your work. Could it be that dignity is inherent and resides within the person while respect resides only within others' minds (beliefs about another person). An individual can behave in ways that are worthy of respect and still not earn it from others. This gap my cause them to feel as if their inherent worth is threatened. Perhaps if they are helped to understand that their pro-social behaviors are an expression of their dignity (their unique value in the world) regardless of how others perceive those behaviors - they will become less vulnerable.

[theseedoflife]

Yes, it is inherent (value) worth, but how does it express itself?! Dignity is directly relates to being loved. That's the whole idea of Christian religion: God loves us ultimately, so we have ultimate worth. But why then people suffer so much if God loves them?! It is because dignity is not automatically applied but rather gradually understood when a person goes through trials and tribulations. In those trials the person realizes his/her own divine (not earned) worth. The more dignity the person has, the less this person will betray yourself (for any reason). In other words, the more dignity the more imprtant the personal opinion (feelings, etc.), in relation to everything else, becomes.