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About this quote

What does it mean?
Society cannot respect individual dignity if it denies personal values.
In plain terms
Respect for people requires letting them follow their own values.
What can you take from it?
Individual values are key to dignity.

Where it applies

  • human rights
  • cultural debate
  • leadership

Putting it to work

  • protecting minority views
  • fostering diversity

Questions to consider

  • What if personal values conflict with public good?
  • How do we define dignity?

Another view

Some values may harm others if unchecked.

More from Friedrich Hayek

  1. A policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.

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  2. All political theories assume, of course, that most individuals are very ignorant. Those who plead for liberty differ from the rest in that they include among …

    Permalink to quote #133
  3. A claim for equality of material position can be met only by a government with totalitarian powers.

    Permalink to quote #130

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