Germany celebrated the installation of its democratic post-war constitution, which guarantees several personal rights, which are based on its first and foremost ethic principle: “The dignity of man is untouchable.”

 

Today this noble guideline is severely endangered by political and economic forces throughout the globe, also in Germany itself. Negative tendencies towards violence, hate, separation and exploitation of human beings are manifold and nearly omnipresent.

The German charitable foundation against racism thus suggested to celebrate the dignity of man of man on the anniversary of the German constitution.

The Federal President of Germany, Mr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier enhanced this idea with his initiative for a first nation-wide “Ehrentag”, a special day to honour all sorts of positive civic engagement within our tolerant and multifaceted society.

He invited both individuals and institutions to display their positive engagement through all sorts of creative events.

New Acropolis Nuremberg responded with a philosophical lecture on possible views of what is man and what constitutes his dignity. The speaker presented a rich collection of ideas from different cultures and philosophers.

One thing finally became very clear: The way we understand man and the world determines how we treat both of them. Hence the importance of philosophical education to protect the dignity of man.