“The man who has self-respect realizes that the severest punishment he could have for a mean act would be his own consciousness that he has lowered himself in his own eyes, that he has done an act unworthy of himself. He realizes that it counts but little whether the world knows of it or not—he himself knows, he himself condemns; that is punishment enough. He has wounded his own honour, and he feels a sense of shame that no mere argument can remove. Self-respect is justice, honour, and truth blended into a force.” ~ William George Jordan
One of the great qualities of character worthy of nourishing in our children is that of self-respect. As much as you might wish it were so, you cannot give a child self-respect. He must earn it. It comes as a result of doing all within your power to handle difficult things in life well and through the willingness to learn from mistakes made along the way.
“No man who is occupied in doing a very difficult thing, and doing it very well, ever loses his self-respect.” ~ George Bernard Shaw
Gregory Hake 
Trust and respect from others is a hollow thing without true self-respect. Regardless of the views of otheres, true self-respect will fill the heart with peace.
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Self-respect can be elusive, because it is one of those qualities you can’t get for yourself. It is a state of peace and nobility that comes from having been respectful of others and of true principles, of having given honor where honor is due. It is a quiet pride that needs no bolstering, flattery or inspiration because it is based in immutable reality. Rare and vital are such people!
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The thing about children is that they see things that you might not think they see. They are always watching. So if a parent maintains their own self respect, the child will see the results of that in many different ways. As a parent, you cannot hide who you are from a child. Whether consciously or unconsciously, they will learn how to behave in the world not from what you say, but from what they see you doing. Not to say that children always do what they should, even if the parent does it, but actions definitely speak louder than words in the parent/child relationship.
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What a great subject. Self respect is something we build ourselves and it nourishes and sustains our spirit forever, come what may. Others can’t build it for us or take it from us. It is knowing I’m doing the very best I know how and am dedicated to living my life so it helps in leaving this Earth better than I found it.
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An uncompromising honesty in oneself surely goes a long way. To come to terms with the fact that life cannot be cheated is the beginning of a life overflowing with dignity and nobility where you cannot conceive of settling for anything less, where no lower standard could ever bring you any measure of happiness.
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Great post, Thanks!
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So true. Lack of self-respect leads to a lack of self-confidence, which is an epidemic in the world today. This also leads to arrogance, entitlement, and a host of other deep set attempts to make up for the feeling of unworthiness. But, it is a simple fix. Put righteousness above all other things and you’ll always feel good about who you are and what you’re doing.
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