"Self-respect is the fruit of discipline; the sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to oneself"
- Abraham Joshua Heschel
About this Quote
This quote by Abraham Joshua Heschel speaks with the significance of self-discipline in establishing self-regard. Dignity is the outcome of having the discipline to make decisions that remain in line with our worths and beliefs. It is the ability to state no to ourselves when we are lured to do something that is not in our benefit. When we have the discipline to make choices that remain in line with our worths, we acquire a sense of dignity and pride. This quote is a suggestion that self-esteem is not something that is given to us, but something that we should earn through our own discipline and self-control. It is a reminder that we must take responsibility for our own actions and choices in order to get a sense of dignity.
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