The definition of honor and why it is so important, its benefits and value for self-development
There was once a time when honor was something all men and women lived and died by. Honor is a word seldom heard in today’s world, yet honor is timeless. It’s all about the honor.
According to Webster’s Dictionary, honor is “something which merits admiration, respect, or attention; character excellence; high moral worth; a pleasant feeling of what is right, just, and true; rigid adherence to the duty imposed by conscience; integrity.”
Honor Can Be Bestowed
Honor is something that can be gained by achievements, no doubt, such as the obtainment of honor through military victories, by feats of courage, or even by scholastic achievement. A person can be “honored” with medals and with accolades, but such achievement of honor is not the kind of honor necessarily associated with personal integrity. It is the kind of honor that others can bestow, the kind that can be written up in the social column as, “He or She was honored last night…” But there is another kind of honor that cannot be bestowed by another person or institution, that no one can give to us.
Honor That is Built From Character
That is the honor that comes from character. It is something not easily seen, yet we all know it when we come into contact with it. Honor looks you in the eye. Honor holds its head high without disdain or arrogance. Honor does not lie.
The recognition of an honorable character makes us feel better about the human race. How does one obtain this kind of honor that comes from the building of character imposed by our own morality? By observing a code of high moral values. By listening to one’s conscience in any situation. Sometimes by seeking the advice of someone you trust if you are uncertain about some action, for honor is not perfect. It is a perfection of character built over time through trial and error, by doing right countless times, by practicing an ethos of honesty and integrity to self and others, by recognizing one’s limitations, by honestly seeking answers to difficult questions.
The Benefits of Honor
What are the benefits of honor? Why consider honor as a trait to develop? Honor is a boon to self-esteem, for guilt can rob one of self-confidence. Honor respects others and therefore gains respect. Honor is incorruptible and therefore attracts patrons, trust, and assistance from others. Above all, honor is a gift that one gives to one’s self.
Conclusion:
The Importance of Honor for Character Development. Why is honor so important? A person can be “honored” with medals and with accolades, but such achievement of honor is not the kind of honor associated with personal integrity. It is the kind that others can bestow. The recognition of an honorable character makes us feel better about the human race.
Honor is incorruptible and therefore attracts patrons, trust, and assistance from others. Honor respects others and therefore gains respect. Above all, honor is a gift that one gives to one’s self.
