The great thing in the world is not so much to seek happiness as to earn peace and self-respect. Self-respect is the fruit of discipline; the sense of dignity that grows with the ability to say no to oneself. Never ignore nor violate the sacredness of your individual self-respect.

You punch me, I punch back. I do not believe it's good for one's self-respect to be a punching bag. Ed Koch

I have learned not to waste words on people who deserve my silence; not to lower my standards for anyone or anything. Self-respect is everything. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can say is nothing at all. Sometimes we have to leave, not for ego but for self-respect.

Let us never lose dignity and self-respect trying to make people love and appreciate us. Some people just are not

Self-respect is the fruit of discipline; the sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to oneself. Abraham Joshua Heschel

 capable. Let us respect our efforts and respect ourselves. Self-respect leads to self-discipline. It is a real power when we have them firmly under our belt.

There are two kinds of pride, both good and bad. 'Good pride' represents our dignity and self-respect. 'Bad pride' is the deadly sin of superiority that reeks conceit and arrogance.

The world will be so much a better place to live in if only the real sense of learning could be realized by each individual and carried forward in every field of human activity for real education enhances the dignity of a human being and increases his or her self-respect.

I have also learned that it is the highest form of self-respect to admit our errors and mistakes and make amends for them. To make a mistake is only an error in judgment, but to adhere to it when it is discovered shows infirmity of character.

We should not desperately need bigger cars, fancier clothes nor unrealistic recognition. We need self-respect, identity, community, love, variety, beauty, challenge and a purpose in living that is greater than material accumulation.

By Tim Pedrosa