I’ve often thought about the importance of treating other people with dignity and respect. It’s a practice I tried to teach our children when they were younger, but I’m not sure I really understood dignity. My approach to dignity was often based on the idea that dignity was earned by behaving in an appropriate manner, and I viewed dignity as respectful treatment that was bestowed on others. I equated “dignified” with “dignity,” and they’re very different. Dignified can indicate a way of behavior that’s proper for the situation, but dignity is our inherent worth as a human being. Dignity is not something we have to cultivate but what we are just by virtue of being human.

When we recognize dignity as our birthright and also the birthright of other human beings, we realize we aren’t bestowing anything on anyone. Instead, our respectful treatment of others shows we recognize the dignity they already have. Activist John Perkins says, “You don’t give dignity; you affirm it.” When we make our treatment of others contingent on their behavior or manner, we aren’t recognizing their inherent dignity as a human. By affirming others’ dignity, we establish a foundation from which we can rise above other disagreements. It’s a good starting place, maybe the only place that can birth unity and peace.

Photo courtesy of Kuhlens Photography