Throughout “True Dignity of Mind,” Dunigan uses a list structure to go through various attributes that contribute to a person’s true dignity of mind, breaking down these elements so that readers can easily apply them in their lives. First, she discusses modesty, since those who are dignified ”do good because it is right rather than for applause.” She impresses upon her readers that good behavior is its own reward, and dignity follows from humility. Next, she explains that kindness is also a vital part of true dignity, since “true dignity” lies with “the generous” who work to ”relieve the misery of others.” Those who are dignified care about and work for the benefit of those around them. Finally, Dunigan suggests that patience is an important quality of the dignified, since it may take hard work and “patient labor” to achieve. While it may take time, she asserts that dignity is worth it because rewards “will come” to those with “an approving conscience.” Essentially, she argues that those who work hard at kind acts with modesty will surely win true dignity.
