Each year, instead of making resolutions, I choose a guiding word. For 2024, it was Agape, the selfless love that heals and bridges divides. This year, I’ve chosen Dignity, a response to polarization—Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year—that has strained relationships, fractured communities and undermined institutions. Dignity reminds us to honor the inherent worth in others and act with civility, even in disagreement.
Honoring human dignity is not just an ideal; it is a practice and, perhaps, the ultimate civility hack—since every action that honors the inherent worth of another person is, by nature, civil.
Dignity and civility are inseparable.
Dignity is the recognition of inherent worth in every person, while civility is the practice of that recognition in our words and actions.
Without dignity, civility becomes empty politeness. Without civility, dignity remains an unrealized value.
In ancient Rome, dignitas referred to personal honor and the moral responsibility to act with integrity. Over centuries, this idea evolved into the modern understanding of dignity as intrinsic to all people. Religious traditions like Christianity, Buddhism, and Confucianism have long emphasized respect for human worth. Dignity is codified in modern foundational documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which declares:
“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
In civic life, dignity is what allows leaders and citizens to navigate differences with grace. It ensures that even in conflict, we uphold respect, fostering dialogue rather than division. This practice is essential for maintaining trust and preserving the democratic process.
Why Dignity is the Ultimate Civility Hack
If dignity is your measure, civility becomes second nature. It eliminates the guesswork in navigating relationships and conflicts.
At its heart, the practice of dignity echoes the Golden Rule: “Treat others as you wish to be treated.” This timeless principle, found in nearly every major cultural and religious tradition, is the simplest way to embody dignity in everyday life.
By extending the same respect and understanding we desire for ourselves, we build connections that transcend division and foster trust.
For civic leaders: dignity fosters collaboration and trust in governance.
For citizens: dignity strengthens communities and ensures that public discourse reflects respect and fairness.
Whether navigating personal relationships or addressing contentious civic debates, dignity ensures that civility thrives and communities flourish.
The Hardest Test: Showing Dignity to Those We Disagree With
Perhaps the greatest challenge is treating our adversaries—or those we perceive as opponents—with dignity. It’s tempting to dehumanize those who oppose us, reducing them to stereotypes or dismissing their worth. Yet dignity demands something more radical: the acknowledgment of their humanity, even in disagreement.
This is where tools like Timothy Shriver & Tami Pyfer's Dignity Index become vital. The index evaluates public discourse on a scale, measuring how well our words and actions uphold the dignity of others. By applying the principles of the index, leaders and citizens can reflect on whether their language fosters respect or undermines it. This isn’t just about “scoring” behavior; it’s about raising awareness of how our interactions impact trust and collaboration in the public square.
Healthy Boundaries Protect Dignity
Practicing dignity does not mean tolerating harmful behavior. Setting firm boundaries with individuals—such as those exhibiting unjust, manipulative or dangerous traits—is an essential part of honoring the dignity of all, including your own.
Clear, respectful limits can prevent harm while upholding the principle that every person has worth, even when their actions must be firmly addressed.
Recognizing the unique needs and roles of each individual allows dignity to become a transformative force in all aspects of life.
Why is Dignity So Difficult?
Dignity challenges us to rise above ego, judgment, and fear. It’s easy to dismiss or even demean those who offend us, act unfairly, or disagree with our values.
Sometimes, we even choose to undermine or harm another’s dignity to gain an advantage, embracing the belief that “might is right” or that “the ends justify the means.” These behaviors are not just destructive—they are profoundly unjust.
Dignity demands something harder: self-control and willingness to pause, reflect, and choose dignity—to act with fairness and empathy, even in difficult situations.
Though sometimes difficult, dignity is transformative. It uplifts others, strengthens trust and lets others know that no matter how divergent our opinions or interests, there is a standard of behavior that we will uphold that respects the dignity of all. This fosters psychological safety and the feeling of belonging our families, workplace and communities need to thrive.
A Daily Practice for 2025
Living a life of dignity doesn’t require perfection or grand gestures. It’s about small, intentional actions that collectively create a culture of respect. Here are a few ways to make dignity a daily habit:
Pause Before Acting: Before speaking or deciding, ask: Does this honor the other person’s inherent worth?
Listen Without Interrupting: Listening isn’t passive—it’s a powerful way to affirm someone’s humanity.
Challenge Without Dehumanizing: Criticize constructively, focusing on ideas rather than personal attacks.
Acknowledge Contributions: Recognize the value others bring, whether it’s a kind gesture or hard work.
Model Integrity: Be consistent in your values. Treat others with dignity even when it’s difficult.
For civic leaders who wish to practice dignity and lead with civility, I invite you to join the Cultivating Civility Masterclass. This online, on-demand program is designed to equip you with tools and strategies to tackle toxicity, foster civility, and lead your community through cultural transformation. With insights from global leaders and actionable takeaways, this masterclass empowers you to be the leader your community needs. Enroll Today.
What will your guiding word be for 2025? Consider choosing one that not only fosters personal growth, but also contributes to healing and strengthening your community.
Wishing you a Happy New Year!
~ Diane Kalen-Sukra
Recommended Reading
Dignity: Its Essential Role in Resolving Conflict By Donna Hicks, Ph.D., with a foreword by Desmond Tutu
Pre-order my upcoming book: LEAD WITH CIVILITY: A Practical Guide for Uncivil Times
