Dignity
Dignity is a human condition of being worthy of respect or esteem.To esteem a person or a thing is to assign to it or him or her a high value. Esteem for a person or a thing is an assessment of its or his or her high value.
Respect is the objective, unbiased consideration and regard for rights, values, beliefs and property. Kant's categorical imperative as well as what is commonly understood as being civilized incorporate the concept of respect. The levels of respect the people show to each other can vary from showing no respect, which may constitute abuse in some circumstances, to showing great respect. Many cultures have institutions that ritualise respect, as with a constitutional monarchy. Many believe that it is only through showing an appropriate level of respect in all circumstances (regardless of whether or not it is felt to be earned) that one can achieve self-respect, which equates to dignity.
Intercultural differences as well as the difference in self-perception and outward appearance often result in being unintentionally disrespectful.
Respect is a central value in the raver culture, which believes in never doing anything to hurt or insult anyone. It is combined with peace, love and unity in the raver acronym PLUR.
Respect is the catch-word of the British entertainer Ali G.
See also self-esteem, human rights, self-respect
The opposite of respect is abuse.
Related usages