The Dignity of Every Person: Why Respecting Others Reflects True Greatness

Basic human dignity is a natural need shared by all people. As the most elevated beings in creation, we instinctively feel distress when we’re humiliated. Our sages taught: “Let your friend’s honor be as dear to you as your own.”

The Hebrew word for honor (כבוד, kavod) shares a root with weight or heaviness. To honor someone is to treat them as someone of weight- of value- not as someone to be brushed aside or treated lightly.

Every person is created in the image of G-d, as the Mishnah teaches: “Beloved is the human being, for they were created in G-d's image.”

The person standing next to you is greater than the most wondrous parts of the universe. They are the crown of creation. It doesn’t matter what they look like, how old they are, how wealthy or educated they are, what accent they speak with, or where they come from. They bear the Divine image, and that alone demands respect.

Respecting Others Elevates You

When a person trains themselves to be sensitive to others and careful with their dignity, they become respected in return.

As the Mishnah says: “Who is honored? One who honors others.”On the surface, this means that when you treat others with respect, people respect you in return. But on a deeper level, the act of respecting others in fact transforms your character. By learning to recognize the value in every human being, you yourself become a person of worth- regardless of how others respond.

One who belittles others however, demonstrates that they haven’t yet understood what makes a person truly great. That lack of understanding reveals their own inner smallness.

What If I’m “Better” Than Them?

One major obstacle to giving others proper respect is the feeling of superiority. If I’m wealthier, wiser, or stronger, why should I respect someone "beneath" me?

The answer lies in two truths:

1. They are created in the image of G-d- just like you.

2. Everyone has strengths. Just because their strengths are different doesn’t mean they’re lesser. In fact, the areas where they do surpass you may be more meaningful than your own advantages.

In the classic work of Pele Yoetz (book of Jewish ethics) it is explained: "Respect every person. If they are wiser than you, respect them for their wisdom. If you are wiser, assume they are more righteous. Because you sin knowingly, while they may sin out of ignorance. If they are rich, honor them, for even the greatest sages respected the wealthy, knowing their riches were given by the will of G-d. And if you are rich and they are poor, know that your obligation to give may be greater than theirs to receive.”

Similarly, the Ramban (Nachmanides) wrote in his famous letter: “Every person should be greater in your eyes than you. If they are wise or wealthy, respect them. And if they are poor or less knowledgeable, realize you are more accountable before G-d than they are.”

Rich or Poor- Every Person Deserves Dignity

The Pele Yoetz further warns: “Woe to the one who honors only the rich and disrespects the poor. G-d Himself will defend the insulted… But if a wealthy person shows a poor relative kindness and dignity, it is considered a great mitzvah, bringing comfort to the downtrodden.”

Our sages remind us: ​“Do not disregard any person, for every person has their moment.” Even the simplest individual may one day be in a position to help you. Life has a way of flipping roles. A person you once overlooked may become your future employer, teacher, or savior. Respect for others isn’t only morally right but also a wise idea.

Honor in Education: The Student Also Deserves Respect

One of the most sensitive areas where respect applies is in education. A teacher must guide, correct, and sometimes even rebuke a student, but always without humiliating them. The student, after all, is a human being with emotions, and often, those emotions are even more fragile than those of a stranger.

Even when disappointment or sternness is necessary, it must be done without degrading speech or humiliating gestures. The teacher must approach correction from a place of dignity and respect, explaining the issue with care.

As the sages said: ​“Let your student’s honor be as dear to you as your own.” Even if a student is just one among many in a large classroom, the teacher must remember: to that student, the teacher may be the entire world. If a teacher is unable to recognize this, they should not be teaching.

Respect, Not Blind Trust

Honoring every person doesn’t mean trusting blindly. Respect and healthy caution can coexist. Our sages say: ​“Regard every person as a potential thief- but treat them with the respect due to Rabbi Gamliel.”

The Talmud tells of Rabbi Yehoshua, who once hosted a man overnight. After feeding him and giving him a bed, he removed the ladder to the attic to prevent theft. Sure enough, the man tried to steal the valuables. The story reminds us that while we honor others, we must also protect ourselves.

By treating others with the highest level of human dignity, and never losing sight of the Divine image in each person, we can build a life of integrity, kindness, and true greatness.