Respect for self is the beginning of cultivating virtue in men

In the great arena of life, the foundation of all virtue rests not in the actions we perform for others, but in the respect we hold for ourselves. Gordon B. Hinckley, in his timeless wisdom, states, "Respect for self is the beginning of cultivating virtue in men and women." These words echo through the halls of history, for self-respect has always been the cornerstone upon which all true virtue is built. Without a deep respect for one’s own worth and dignity, the pursuit of moral excellence becomes hollow, for how can one give to others what they do not first offer to themselves?

In the teachings of the ancients, this idea is not a new one. Socrates, the great Greek philosopher, famously stated, "An unexamined life is not worth living." The very act of self-examination is a form of respect for the soul, an acknowledgment that the self is worth understanding and nurturing. Just as a warrior must first be skilled in their own craft before leading others into battle, so too must a person develop a strong sense of self before they can cultivate the virtues that lead to a life of honor, integrity, and wisdom. Self-respect is the seed from which all other virtues grow, for it is only by recognizing one's own worth that one can strive for greatness and contribute to the greater good of society.

Consider, then, the life of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher. His writings, found in his Meditations, reflect a profound respect for the self—not in the way of arrogance or self-centeredness, but in the way of humility and inner strength. Marcus did not simply wield his power as a ruler; he spent his days striving to cultivate virtue within himself, constantly examining his own actions and thoughts, and seeking to improve them. His belief was that only through the cultivation of virtue within the self could one lead others with integrity and wisdom. His example teaches us that self-respect is not mere pride, but the quiet, steadfast commitment to personal growth and moral clarity.

The self-respect that Hinckley speaks of is not just about honoring oneself in moments of success, but about holding one’s own dignity even in the face of failure or adversity. In times of hardship, it is easy to lose sight of one's own worth, but the wise know that it is precisely during such times that self-respect must be held tightly. Nelson Mandela, during his imprisonment, maintained a sense of self-worth that no chains could break. He held on to the belief that his dignity could never be taken from him, and it was this deep respect for self that enabled him to emerge from prison and lead his nation toward reconciliation and justice. His life is a testament to the power of self-respect to shape one’s actions and influence the world.

In every era, self-respect has been the flame that ignites virtue in men and women. Without it, people are like dry wood, lacking the inner fire to fuel noble actions. When a person has respect for their own self, they are more likely to be just, kind, and humble toward others. This respect creates a ripple effect, as each virtuous act carried out with dignity inspires others to do the same. We are all, in this sense, teachers and students in the great school of life, and it is the respect for self that forms the foundation of a virtuous society.

Thus, the lesson to be learned is clear: if we wish to cultivate virtue in our lives, we must first respect ourselves. We must honor the gifts we have been given—our minds, our bodies, our hearts—and seek to strengthen them daily. Just as the gardener tends to the soil before planting the seed, so too must we tend to our own character, nurturing it with self-respect and self-discipline. By doing so, we set the stage for the virtue to bloom in every action, word, and thought, both for ourselves and for others.

To live with self-respect is to live with purpose. It is to know that our actions, our thoughts, and our words have meaning, and that by respecting ourselves, we honor the sacred responsibility we have to contribute to the greater good. Let us, therefore, dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of self-respect, for it is the beginning of all virtue and the key to a life well lived. Through this, we shall inspire others to walk the path of integrity, honor, and wisdom, and together, we will build a world rooted in the strength of respect and virtue.