The Meaning and Sanctity of Human Dignity

I set out to write about human dignity from a neutral position so as not to exclude anyone from the conversation. I thought it best to remain anonymous in relation to race, nationality, gender identity, class, and certainly religion. But I found that this approach stunted my thinking. I did not have the language to write about dignity outside of my own experience of it. My experience of dignity is inextricably tied to my own unique identity. I can only embrace the dignity in your identity after first embracing it in my own.

So, here we go. I am a white American male raised in a Judeo-Christian tradition. As fortune would have it, I grew up in a family that affirmed my worth in numerous and profound ways. I grew up feeling that I was “special”. However, I learned that my specialness in no way detracted from you being special as well. For whatever reason, I have not had to suffer major indignities in order to develop a passionate appreciation for the central role that dignity plays in our humanity.

Human Dignity as a Birthright

I subscribe to the concept that dignity is the birthright of all human beings. Unlike respect, which must be earned, we are all entitled to dignity by virtue of our birth into the human race. This concept is common to most religions. It is evident in the tenet that we are made in the image of our Creator. Dignity knows no social, economic, gender, or ethnic barriers. Even those who behave in the most undignified ways or defile the dignity of others, share in its birthright. (More on that in another essay.)

Dignity is core to our existence, even our survival, as human beings. Emotional and physiological reactions to dignity violations are similar to and every bit as strong as those arising from physical injuries. We go to war over real and perceived dignity violations. We will sacrifice our lives for it, because we know that we have no life without it.

“No power on this earth can destroy the thirst for human dignity.” ~ Nelson Mandela

Shared Humanity

The dignity of each one of us is tied to the dignity of all of us. The African concept of ubuntu embodies this concept. Ubuntu says “my humanity is inextricably bound to your humanity”. To practice ubuntu is to help your brothers and sisters remember their true identity, recognize their true value, and participate fully in their human birthright. Through ubuntu we bring out the best in ourselves and others.

“Human dignity is the same for all human beings: when I trample on the dignity of another, I am trampling on my own.” ~ Pope Francis

The Power of Everyday Experience

Dignity is actualized in the experience of everyday life. Our face to face, up front and personal interactions with others either affirm or violate our dignity. Yes, rulers, laws, oppressors, and evildoers can pose affronts to our dignity. But those affronts impact us only to the extent they play out in everyday life experience. Likewise, the power to restore and build up human dignity rests in the hands and hearts of each of us. It takes place in our interactions with others in the personal and mundane activities of daily life.

Herein lies the “secret sauce” and the hope of Dignity Dialogues. Participants set out to discover their own humanity in the humanity of others who may be outwardly unlike them but are inwardly a part of them. They do this by sharing the stories of their everyday lives. They do it by taking the time to see through each other’s eyes and walk in each other’s shoes.

“Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home – so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world … Such are the places where every man, woman and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt