This quote suggests that truth, or honesty, is a form of respect that a virtuous person shows towards his own self-worth or integrity. It implies that being truthful is not merely about being honest to others, but also about being honest to oneself. It’s about acknowledging one’s own worth and maintaining one’s dignity.

In essence, it infers that a good person values his own dignity so much that he would rather be truthful than lie, even if the truth might be uncomfortable or disadvantageous. In other words, for a person of good character, truth is an essential element of their self-respect and personal honor. This person understands that any compromise on truthfulness would mean a compromise on their own dignity and self-worth.

In the context of today’s world, this idea is particularly relevant. In an era where ‘fake news’ and misinformation is rampant, maintaining personal truthfulness becomes all the more important. It reinforces the importance of personal integrity and authenticity in a world that often values appearance over substance.

In terms of personal development, this idea encourages us to cultivate honesty and integrity as core values. It pushes us to be truthful in all our dealings, not because it is expected of us, but because we owe it to our own dignity. It motivates us to consistently choose truth over falsehood, even when the latter might be easier or more beneficial in the short term.

Ultimately, it reminds us that our dignity and self-respect are intrinsically linked to our truthfulness, and that to compromise on our honesty is to compromise on our own self-worth.