The Ray Rice saga is yet another reminder that we live in a barbaric society infested with rudeness, sloth, vulgarity, and other crass behavior. But don’t despair. While all this is a bad state of affairs for Western culture, it’s not necessarily a bad thing for you, the individual.

Why? Because when you live in the midst of a social cesspool, displaying dignity, self-respect, and character makes you stand out like a thinking person at an Occupy Wall Street rally.

Make no mistake about it, acting with class will win you the hearts and minds of the only people who matter — those who are likeminded. Refined people appreciate refinement in others, and they are the ones who are most likely to add value to your life.

What about the rest of the populace? Ignore them. They aren’t worth thinking about.