In this article I explore the role of self-respect in Rawls's A Theory of Justice. To get this aim, in the first part of this paper I examine some elements that are part of the contemporary debate on self-respect as a form of self-worth. Second, I specify the bases that support self-respect within A Theory of Justice. Finally, I discuss the guiding role of reciprocal recognition and self-respect in justifying the principles of justice as fairness