Creating Dignity & Worth

Donna Hicks Ph.D. is an international expert on dignity studies and conflict resolution. She defines dignity as “our inherent value and worth as human beings; everyone is born with it.” She has written that, when asked about what dignity is, “the most common response people offer is that dignity is about respect.”

To the contrary, dignity is not the same as respect. Respect is earned through one’s actions. Once this distinction is understood, we recognize our deep, human desire to be valued.

Our shared desire for dignity transcends all our differences, putting our collective humanity above all else. The mutual recognition of the desire to be seen, heard, listened to, and treated fairly and to be recognized, understood, and to feel safe in the world is what holds our relationships together.

With this simple act of having our identity accepted and treated with dignity, we feel included and valued. This acceptance gives us a sense of freedom and independence that can lead us to a life filled with hope and possibility.

We are all born invaluable, priceless, and irreplaceable. Luke 12:7 says; “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows”.

Quotes taken from Dr. Hicks’ article in Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dignity/201304/what-is-the-real-meaning-dignity-0