Can there be a feeling worse than loss of dignity? There is something about pity, something patronizing, that makes us all want to put on our brave masks and face the world. I had often wondered why it is so difficult to open up about our wounds, our problems even to our closest of friends, till I realized that I was afraid of being pitied.
Nothing erodes human spirit more than loss of dignity. Our sophisticated society has now evolved from ridiculing the physically challenged, financially challenged, emotionally distraught,to something worse, we end up politely pitying them and strippng them of their self-respect. Take away dignity and you end up devoid of human spirit.
Helping others with compassion, listening with compassion and ensuring that the dignity of the person is intact is as important as feeding the hungry or caring for the sick. Belittling someone with words or actions doesn't have to always be in bitter words or insults. Treat all the people you meet with same respect, doesn't matter who they are, because in my eyes the moment you destroy a human spirit, the moment you pity them and put them down, you have already killed the human in the being
There are times even with the best intentions, we might be unsure as how do treat the person right. Compassion and empathy are our guides at times like that.
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