Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,
Is the immediate jewel of their souls.
Who steals my purse steals trash; ’tis something, nothing;
‘Twas mine, ’tis his, and has been slave to thousands;
But he that filches from me my good name
Robs me of that which not enriches him,
And makes me poor indeed.
– William Shakespeare
In this quote from Shakespeare, he is emphasizing the value of a good name or reputation, saying that it is the most valuable thing a person can have. He says that even if someone steals his money, it is just material possessions, but if someone takes away his good name, they take away something that can never be replaced. The thief does not benefit from this act, but it leaves the victim “poor indeed.” In other words, the loss of a good name has a greater impact than the loss of material possessions.
Self-respect is a fundamental aspect of a person’s sense of worth and dignity. It is the belief in one’s own abilities, qualities, and values that allows a person to maintain their dignity and feel confident in their own skin. When someone’s good name is taken away, it can cause them to question their own worth and leave them feeling poor and defeated.
Enhancing self respect
- Practice self-reflection: Take time to think about your values, beliefs, and what you stand for. This will help you understand yourself better and make decisions that align with your values.
- Set achievable goals: Accomplishing goals, no matter how small, can boost your confidence and enhance your self-respect.
- Surround yourself with positive people: Seek out individuals who support and respect you and avoid toxic people who bring you down.
- Learn new skills: Taking on new challenges and learning new things can help you feel more confident and enhance your self-respect.
- Treat yourself with kindness: Speak to yourself in a positive manner and avoid self-criticism. Practice self-compassion and forgive yourself for your mistakes.
- Take care of yourself: Physically, mentally, and emotionally. This includes getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and engaging in self-care activities.
- Speak up for yourself: Assert yourself and stand up for what you believe in. This shows that you respect yourself and your opinions.
In general we increase our self-respect when we treat ourselves with respect, and when we see ourselves treating ourselves with respect, we do indeed become worthy of respect.
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