Some people look for dignity in religion, spirituality, or in good works, or in identifying with science, etc…
But our everyday life – the economic world and pop culture in which we live – is low comedy mixed with brutal tragedy. We can only rarely rise above it ourselves or help our neighbor. Our loved ones are enmeshed in the world and often beyond our help themselves.
And most people don’t have the capability to appreciate science or contribute to it.
Contribute to the community? Volunteer? Get a job at minimum wage? Take elementary college courses. I guess it helps. But do you call that dignity?
I passed a street person standing by the sidewalk, bone thin - she must have been about 60 - Holding in front of her a paper cup + saying nothing. I caught the look on her face + stopped + dug for my billfold, looking over my shoulder saying ‘Hi" to which she returned a cheerful Hi. Her reply to my $5 -’ You sure are a surprise package!’ She had dignity. I could have passed for homeless myself.
I don’t know about dignity in modern life… Dignity for myself however I would consider to be self-respect. The ability to stand tall, mentally, based on my own morals. The rest is just an extension of that whether it’s volunteering your time or something else.
I think that’s why AA is considered by some to be a substitute for religious values. It encourages you to act on, and stand on, a system of morals found in the twelve steps.