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About this quote

What does it mean?
If you degrade yourself, others will treat you poorly.
In plain terms
Do not act weak or people will step on you.
What can you take from it?
Maintain self-respect to avoid mistreatment.

Where it applies

  • workplace
  • relationships
  • self-conduct

Putting it to work

  • set boundaries
  • value yourself
  • act with dignity

Questions to consider

  • How do you show self-respect?
  • Why do people tolerate mistreatment?

Another view

External power dynamics can override self-respect.

More from Immanuel Kant

  1. He who has made great moral progress ceases to pray.

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  2. If we attend to the course of conversation in mixed companies consisting not merely of scholars and subtle reasoners but also of business people or women, we n…

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  3. Have patience awhile; slanders are not long-lived. Truth is the child of time; erelong she shall appear to vindicate thee.

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