Let's talk about Honor...What is it?

It seems to me that in today's world the word 'HONOR' is thrown around like a wet towel in a sports arena locker room. No rhyme or reason but just because it sounds, looks for feels good to say. Perhaps it's use comes from the numerous books and movies that speak of this elusive trait and those who have ceased to find the line between fantasy and reality. And sadly enough 8 out of 10 of those who claim to have honor don't actually even know the true meaning of, and wouldn't even if it slapped them square in the face. Very sad indeed.

I recoil in disgust when I hear someone brag about their 'honor' and at the same time they have no respect for those around them, their friends and loved ones or the people who have stood behind them. They have no real sense of responsibility and act as if the world owes them a spot at the top, free of charge without paying a single cent in dues.

Japanese men would rather kill themselves than to suffer the dishonor of being 'handed' anything (Quoted from a very close Japanese friend.). Men or women with true honor will always put their best foot forward, show respect for others, especially those who have had their backs through thick and thin, and they always WORK towards their life goals, never waiting for that worldly handout they know doesn't exist.

In a perfect world, or at least a less selfish one the true definition of 'Honor' is;

1. : respect that is given to someone who is admired
2. : good reputation : good quality or character as judged by other people
3. : high moral standards of behavior

*Definitions courtesy of  Merriam-Webster online.

Number 3 of the definitions above stands out for me a great deal, I would guess in part because there are not a lot of people with a high moral standard of behavior anymore. Way to many people think its all about self expression, freedom to express their selves or just their 'God' given right but in reality if they'd only realize more then half of them are only making asses of themselves and not making any valid points, nor are they leaving any kind of honorable legacy behind them. Seriously how much 'Honor' does a man have who's a woman beater and a liar, or a woman who says she dresses they way she feels but yet wears less, and has way less class than some of the street walkers on Hollywood and Vine? Are you starting to see my point? I can wait while you think about it...

So does the problem start in womb? Is it and ethnic issue? Are Americans more prone to talk highly of their honor but in truth they have none? Is it a gender issue? Is it the cause of bad parenting or surrounding influences through out childhood?.Is it the media? Who really knows, it could be one or all of the above but no matter it's still a very serious problem for the future of generations to come.

I could go on and on, I see it in strangers nearly everyday but sadly enough I see it most in the some of those who are closest to me. A person raised with respect and shown the meaning of loyalty from a young age yet they have no respect or loyalty to anyone but themselves and what they can hope to achieve for themselves. I have no real understanding of their little world in which they live in, where apparently 'honor' is more of a fairy tale from a novel rather than something they actually live out in their daily lives. It is truly sad.

I guess this is something I will never really know because I myself have honor, self-respect and respect for those who have stood by me and who have earned it. I also have a very high moral standard of what I find acceptable for myself and my family, we live it each and everyday. As a parent of several youngsters I insist they all be taught the meaning of honor as well as shown how to live it.

I will leave you to ponder and think on it all as I will. And with a few of my favorite quotes...

"Never do anything against conscience even if the state demands it." Albert Einstein

"If principle is good for anything, it is worth living up to."  Benjamin Franklin  

"Nobody can acquire honor by doing what is wrong." Thomas Jefferson 

 "One has honor if he holds himself to an ideal of conduct though it is inconvenient, unprofitable, or dangerous to do so." Walter Lippmann 

"A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both."  Dwight David Eisenhower

 

"Never do to others what you would not like them to do to you." Confucius  
 

"Once you get rid of integrity the rest is a piece of cake." Larry Hagman

And finally a rule to live by...

"If you talk the talk, make sure you walk the walk."