Dignity is central to the sustainability of history.

For us, for our children, Africa and its people teach us a powerful lesson -- that we must uphold the inherent dignity of every human being. Dignity -- that basic idea that by virtue of our common humanity, no matter where we come from, or what we look like, we are all born equal, touched by the grace of God. Every person has worth. Every person matters. Every person deserves to be treated with decency and respect. Throughout much of history, mankind did not see this. Dignity was seen as a virtue reserved to those of rank and privilege, kings and elders. It took a revolution of the spirit, over many centuries, to open our eyes to the dignity of every person. And around the world, generations have struggled to put this idea into practice in laws and in institutions.

A good governance paradigm that limits excesses of human nature and ensures an atmosphere of happiness and productivity by promoting reason and dignity is required.

Dignity doesn’t just mean always being stiff and composed. It means a belief in oneself, that one is worthy of the best. Dignity means that what I have to say is important, and I will say it when it’s important for me to say it. Dignity really means that I deserve the best treatment I can receive. And that I have the responsibility to give the best treatment I can to other people.

Dignity is naturally an "aristocratic" virtue, best demonstrated in adverse circumstances, in bearing of suffering, in facing death, childbirth, or the guillotine. Dignity as an attitude is also something personal and not collective. Democratism never liked dignity. Nothing infuriates the howling mob more than dignity.

Respect for the dignity of the human being is really the key, to resolving financial and economic crisis, and to give hope to millions of youth who find themselves a bit in a desperate situation in many countries.

Dignity is a value that creates irreplaceability.

The right to dignity is a fundamental and inalienable human right. Even in situations where human life may be sacrificed, such as in war, no one has the right to be deprived of their dignity, their right to self-preservation, or their right to maintain their sovereignty.

In one form or the other, the quest for human dignity has proved to be one of the most propulsive elements for wars, civil strife and willing sacrifice. Yet the entitlement to dignity, enshrined among the 'human rights', does not aspire to being the most self-evident, essential need for human survival, such as food, or physical health.

Our concern is whether we can live with dignity in such a system, whether it serves people rather than people serving it.

It is the essence of dignity to pretend to desire what you cannot prevent.

Dignity through work. Peace through purpose.

Instead of the "rights" language, we prefer to focus on the cultivation of "dignity" and a healthy sense of "duty" toward the community, society, and country. Our duty is to promote or ensure dignity of the others, not only our own. Having said that, China, like the rest of the world, also needs to learn to do better in the promotion of dignity among all in the country as well as in the world.

Remembering that every person has an innate God-given dignity is a key step on the path to effective criminal justice.