About this quote

H. Jackson Brown Jr. forces a clean look at how you value people: effort deserves dignity whether you agree with the job or not. Stop sneering at small roles and start asking where your own arrogance is costing you opportunities and relationships. Choosing respect sharpens your character, makes teams stronger, and removes a weak excuse for avoiding hard work.

When to use it

• When you pass a street cleaner, nod or say thank you instead of assuming the job is beneath you — small acts of respect build discipline.
• At the office, acknowledge administrative staff by name and credit their work publicly; if you can't do that, check your ego.
• Before you mock someone's job online, ask why their role bothers you — the reaction often points to your own insecurities.
• Teach kids to value every job by having them spend a day helping someone in a so-called 'low-status' role and then reflect on what they learned.