"Onward to Fame and Fortune" by Wm. M. Thayer,1897,
Self-respect
"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’ wisest maxims in his ‘Golden Verses,’ is that in 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. This sentiment, carried into daily life, will be found at the root of all the virtues – cleanliness, sobriety, chastity, morality, and religion. To think meanly of one’s self is to sink in one’s own estimation, as well as in the estimation of others. And as the thoughts are, so will the acts be. A man cannot live a high life who grovels in a moral sewer of his own thoughts. He cannot aspire if he looks down; if he would rise he must look up. The very humblest may be sustained by the proper indulgence of this feeling, and poverty itself may be lifted and lighted up by self-respect.
Self-respect maintains a close alliance with virtue. So long as a youth of either sex has true self-respect, vice has little allurement for him or her.
It is when this sterling virtue is sacrificed and the thoughtless or reckless one ceases to care what is thought of him or her, that vice claims its victim.
He who cares not whether men think well or ill of him does not possess self-respect; and so he is easily lured into sin, becoming more and more indifferent to the good-will of others, and more abandoned and criminal in his daily life. With the loss of self-respect, he is likely to lose all that makes manhood true and ennobling."
When I read this piece, especially the last paragraph or so, it really hit a chord with me.
Helping children develop self-respect became more important. I believe that vice has far less allurement in people with self-respect. I won't ramble with my thoughts, I'm sure each of us has our own and I hope this piece encourages you.
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I would go further or simplify it to say "vice has little allurement for children whose parents are involved in their lives". I remember the kids in school who had active parents and they were the ones who resisted drugs and sex. -Matt
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