Dignity/Daily Practice Checklist: Preserving Dignity

Here’s a "Preserving Dignity" Daily Practice Checklist, rooted in the Wikiversity Dignity curriculum.^[1] This checklist aims to help you recognize, honor, and uphold your own dignity and that of others, reinforcing your intrinsic worth and shared humanity day by day.

• Affirm your inherent worth: Start your day by reminding yourself, “I am worthy of dignity simply because I exist.”
• Clarify your intention: Set a conscious goal, such as:
  • “I will honor my dignity through self-respect and authenticity.”
  • “I will preserve others’ dignity through kindness and respect.”

• Notice self-respect moments: Pause and recognize when you act in alignment with your values—making choices that reflect responsibility or authenticity.
• Honor others effortlessly: Treat others with fairness, humility, empathy—even in small interactions.
• Reject deceptive honor norms: If faced with pressure from archaic or harmful “honor” codes (e.g., those demanding violence or shame), remind yourself to instead uphold human dignity.

• Recognize dignity violations: When you see disrespect or injustice—either toward yourself or others—pause and reflect on its impact.
• Draw inspiration from grace under pressure: Reflect on figures like Rosa Parks or Vivien Thomas, who upheld their dignity amid humiliation. Let their courage guide your own responses.

Reflect on your day with these prompts:

1. Where did I honor my dignity today—through self-respect or authenticity?
2. When did I show respect and empathy toward others, reinforcing their dignity?
3. Did I encounter moments where dignity was threatened—for myself or others?
4. How might I better preserve dignity tomorrow in similar circumstances?

Optional affirmations to end the day:

• “I honor my worth simply by being.”
• “I extend dignity to others through empathy and respect.”
• “I reject shame and honor universal worth.”

Why This Checklist Matters

• Grounded in intrinsic worth: Recognizes that dignity isn't earned—it’s our birthright.
• Balances self and others: Encourages both self-respect and honoring others with fairness and compassion.
• Counters harmful cultural norms: Helps you resist harmful “honor cultures” that rely on shame, coercion, or inequality rather than empathy.
• Cultivates moral courage: Reflecting on dignified leaders can motivate you to act with grace when dignity is threatened.
• Encourages reflection: A daily cycle of awareness promotes mindful choices that affirm your dignity and that of others.

1. ↑ ChatGPT generated this text responding to the prompt: “Generate an ‘preserving dignity’ daily practice checklist based on the materials at: https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Dignity”.