Self-discipline and self-control are the beginnings of practical
wisdom; and these must have their root in self-respect. Hope
springs from it--hope, which is the companion of power, and the
mother of success; for whoso hopes strongly has within him the gift
of miracles. The humblest may say, "To respect myself, to develop
myself--this is my true duty in life. An integral and responsible
part of the great system of society, I owe it to society and to its
Author not to degrade or destroy either my body, mind, or
instincts. On the contrary, I am bound to the best of my power to
give to those parts of my constitution the highest degree of
perfection possible. I am not only to suppress the evil, but to
evoke the good elements in my nature. And as I respect myself, so
am I equally bound to respect others, as they on their part are
bound to respect me." Hence mutual respect, justice, and order, of
which law becomes the written record and guarantee.
Self-respect is the noblest garment with which a man may clothe
himself--the most elevating feeling with which the mind can be
inspired. One of Pythagoras's wisest maxims, in his 'Golden
Verses,' is that with which he enjoins the pupil to "reverence
himself." Borne up by this high idea, he will not defile his body
by sensuality, nor his mind by servile thoughts.
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