10/2/18, 12(17 PM Human dignity is an ideal with remarkably shallow roots | Aeon Essays Page 1 of 10 https://aeon.co/essays/human-dignity-is-an-ideal-with-remarkably-shallow-roots Dignity is delicate Human dignity is a concept with remarkably shallow historical roots. Is that why it is so presently endangered? Remy Debes The popular Austrian tabloid Heute has a tradition of publishing pictures of the first babies born around the country in the new year. Vienna’s 2018 baby was a girl named Asel. She was born of Muslim parents. And she was received with hate. ‘Next terrorist born.’ ‘Deport the scum.’ ‘I’m hoping for a crib death.’ Hundreds of similar comments flashed across Austrian social-media sites in what has become a