“Remember that thou art a man and do not degrade thyself: this is self-respect.”
- Source
- Elements of Morals
- Date
- 1884 English translation
- English wording
- Caroline Rollin Corson — Translator · from French
Meaning of “Remember that thou art a man and do…”
Janet treats human dignity as a floor below which humility should not push a person: recognizing weakness does not require degrading oneself or surrendering self-respect.
Where does it come from?
Elements of Morals, Chapter XIV, section 165, printed page 296, Caroline Rollin Corson’s 1884 English translation, Project Gutenberg #37016. “Remember that thou art a man and do not degrade thyself: this is self-respect” appears in the same paragraph as Janet’s paired reminder against vain pride, making self-respect and humility complementary parts of his moral argument rather than generic affirmation copy.