What is dignity?

Inner dignity is the result of inner strength. People who are inwardly strong exhibit a kind of steadiness or dignity in the way they speak or carry themselves.

What is dignity? According to the Cambridge Dictionary dignity is “calm, serious, and controlled behaviour that makes people respect you.” However, because Stoics are guided by inner excellence or virtues, they don’t seek others’ approval. They do not necessarily care for “what makes people respect” them. They set aside everything that is not their own. This includes what others think of them and whether they are “respected” by others. They fear nothing and desire nothing, and this gives them inner dignity.

Our spirit is never greater than when it lays aside everything not its own. By fearing nothing, it finds peace; by desiring nothing, it finds wealth. - Seneca, Letters 87

Inner vs. outer dignity

So, while Stoics may exude dignity, they don’t alter their behaviour or appearance so they may look dignified to others. One of the best examples of this was Diogenes who lived in a barrel and lived a life flouting conventions of the day and acting in ways people in general would consider undignified. Although he was not a Stoic, the Stoics adopted much of his philosophy. In spite of his unorthodox lifestyle, Diogenes had dignity. This is what Epictetus said about him:

We shouldn’t only focus on the appearance of the body and deter from what else is required from a philosopher; a philosopher should also show himself as cheerful and tranquil. - Epictetus, Discourses, 4.11

While we commonly associate dignity with external signs such a person’s posture, and controlled behaviour, Stoic dignity does not depend on external appearance or other cultural signals. Rather, Stoic dignity is the result of inner tranquility and cheerfulness. As Cicero put it,

A person's dignity may be enhanced by the house he lives in, but not wholly secured by it. The owner should bring honour to his house, not the house to its owner. - Cicero, On Duties, 1.139

Similarly, sometimes even the physical appearance of a person may lend them dignity. But the differences in minds could lend far more dignity to a person.

Some bodily types have dignity and others have grace; so too there are even bigger differences among minds. - Cicero, On Duties, 1.107

The key to Stoic dignity is that the mind’s dignity is more significant than that of the body. Seneca describes inner dignity with eloquence:

What brilliance, what calm would shine forth from a place of tranquil splendor, and what constellation of virtues: justice and courage, moderation and prudence shining on every side. Besides these, thrift, self-control, fortitude, and generosity would shed their light upon it and human kindness and magnanimity as well shining about all! Every voice would declare the sight is worthy of love and reverence. - Seneca, Letters 115

Simply put, Stoic dignity comes from virtually ignoring common dignity signals and being totally guided by wisdom and its cousins, the virtues. This is the inner dignity of the Stoic.

Sources of Stoic dignity

Stoic dignity springs from three sources: inner conviction, unaffected focus, and not acting to gain other the approval of others.

1. Stoic dignity comes from within

Inner dignity is not incompatible with outer dignity. However, inner dignity is based on the principles one believes in. For a Stoic, dignity is based on rational knowledge and virtues of practical wisdom, justice, moderation, and courage. A Stoic acts with dignity when their actions are rational and motivated by practical wisdom, justice, moderation, and courage. Nothing else really matters. There are times when this inner dignity may apparently conflict with what others believe. What would a Stoic do then? Here is a suggestion: 

Never live your life in reaction to those poor souls. Be compassionate toward them, and at the same time hold to what you know is good. It is your job to carry yourself with quiet dignity and to stick to your ideals and goals. Cling to what you know in your heart is best. If you are steadfast, those very ones who ridiculed you will come to admire you” - Sharon Lebell, The Art of Living

When there is a conflict, a Stoic opts to stick to their ideals and goal and this lends them “quiet dignity”. In other words, a Stoic does not strive to be dignified but their inner convictions lend dignity to their being and their actions. They don’t tailor their actions to match anything that is external to them, especially if they feel doing so would compromise their principles.

2. Stoic dignity comes from unaffected focus

Whatever Stoics do, they do with their full concentration. Their acts are natural and not for show. What follows from their acts is unaffected dignity. As Marcus Aurelius advised,

Every minute of the day, do what is in front of you with precision, natural dignity, humanity, independence, and justice. Do it like a Roman. Do it like a human being. Free yourself from all other distractions. You can do it if you do everything as if it were the last act of your life. - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 2.5

The ‘natural dignity’ of a Stoic flows from a thorough attention to carrying out the task at hand.

3. Stoic dignity does not come from other people’s opinions

Many of us compromise our principles when we seek the approval of others, thus compromising our inner dignity. As Marcus Aurelius points out, we should not back away from doing what is right because of others’ criticism. Others have their own motive for criticizing us. Besides what does it matter to someone who is doing what is just and right?

When you wake up, ask yourself: would it make any difference to you if others blame you for doing what is just and right? Of course, not. - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 10.13

In reality, those who criticize you may have their own motives and hidden agendas. Why, then, give up your dignity so you can gain their approval?

Any action or saying that is in accordance with nature is right for you. Don’t be put off by other people’s comments and criticism. If something is good, don’t give up your right to it. Those who criticize you have their own motives and impulses. - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 5.3

A Stoic possesses dignity but does not seek it

In the final analysis, a Stoic does not seek dignity and is not concerned about it. And yet, this is precisely the source of Stoic dignity. A Stoic possesses dignity that is the result of their beliefs and actions, their wisdom and virtue. This is the inner strength of the Stoic.

Quotes on inner dignity

Aristotle

The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances.

Cicero

Where is there dignity unless there is also honesty?

Marcus Aurelius

Remember this, – that there is a proper dignity and proportion to be observed in the performance of every act of life.

Plutarch

The generous mind adds dignity to every act, and nothing misbecomes it.

Viktor Frankl

The way in which a man accepts his fate and all the suffering it entails, the way in which he takes up his cross, gives him ample opportunity – even under the most difficult circumstances – to add a deeper meaning to his life. It may remain brave, dignified, and unselfish. Or in the bitter fight for selfpreservation he may forget his human dignity and become no more than an animal.

Dalai Lama

Dignity is not found in possessing credentials or wealth, but in living with integrity and treating others with respect and compassion.

Confucius

A wise man has dignity without pride; a fool has pride without dignity.

Mark Twain

Our inner strengths, experiences, and truths cannot be lost, destroyed, or taken away. Every person has an inborn worth and can contribute to the human community. We all can treat one another with dignity and respect, provide opportunities to grow toward our fullest lives and help one another discover and develop our unique gifts. We each deserve this and we all can extend it to others.

Mahatma Gandhi

The dignity of human nature requires that we must face the storms of life with courage.

J. Bartlett

Natural dignity of mind or manners can never be concealed; it ever commands our respect; assumed dignity, or importance, excites our ridicule and contempt.

Amit Kalantri

Dignity is not a word, it is an action; it is not an attitude, it is a behaviour.

Oprah Winfrey

Dignity comes from knowing who you are and what you stand for. Quotes on inner dignity

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