Honor

SpicedSugar · #1 (**permalink**) 10-14-2007, 01:34 PM

Tough to talk about. The prompt was:
“Honor is like a steep island without a shore: one cannot return once one is outside.” (Nicolas Boileau, 1666).

Do you agree with my essay?? (Sorry, it's a long read... might help those of you who are bored!! XD )

Honor is defined as “honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions.” It can be lost or hidden within a sea of negativity; in a world clouded with misguidance and jealousy. Honor can also be misjudged or manipulated in order to achieve a dire end. If one can overcome all of this, then one has a superior integrity than society’s social laws account for.
One may make a mistake; a human nature that has cursed our existence since the Creation of Man and the first humans’ dismissal from the Garden of Eden. Although this may be, honor is at the root of one’s soul and losing that honor is a personal choice. Despite discrepancies amongst peers, it is possible to regain one’s honor. Errors happen, but it doesn’t slay honor. For instance, in a scenario a student stole a book. This student is usually honorable; he doesn’t steal pencils, nor does he plot a rebellion against a detention. However, he needs that book to cram for his test. If he doesn’t have it, he’ll fail. Sneaking into his friend’s locker, he justifies his action by dismissing any consequences: “oh, she won’t miss it. She’s got everything she needs anyway. I’ll return it before her class…”. Later on, his friend realizes her book is missing. Frantic, she’s worried she’ll get into trouble at her house; having to confess: “Mom, Dad. Someone stole my book today.” The student who stole the book returns it, much to the relief of his friend; however, she interrogates him: “WHY did you steal my book?! All you had to do was ASK ME. I would’ve lent it to you!”. For awhile at least, she doesn’t forgive him. She doesn’t say “he has no honor or self-integrity”. It is possible to have honor, and regain someone’s trust, but one shouldn’t have to test it either. The more difficult part of integrity is not only temporarily regaining someone’s trust, but applying and succumbing to constant reparation. The boy who stole the book, as an example, will not only stop stealing books in the future; but also will not steal in general. Now this boy is on the road to becoming honorable, once more.
In today’s society, there is a difference between “social laws” and the “written law.” One shouldn’t make a phone call before 9 in the morning or after 9 in the evening. That is a social law. There is no written law determining when or at what time one may make a call. Is it honorable to break a social law to uphold the written law, or even vice versa? Honor, alone, can answer this question. As Sister Catherine Osimo, religion 11 teacher, constantly reminds the class: “Context is EVERYTHING.” Regardless of the circumstances, only one’s honor will determine the course of action. In effect, honor is always there; whether poorly used or extravagantly upheld. Although, like the tide honor may swell; for in its ebbs, one finds a way to drift back to shore.

I look forward to replies!!

eDgE oF iNsAnItY · 10-14-2007, 02:47 PM

HONOR

My favorite of the Seven Army Values!

Quote:

Honor provides the “moral compass” for character and personal conduct in the Army.

Though many people struggle to define the term, most recognize instinctively those with a keen sense of right and wrong, those who live such that their words and deeds are above reproach.

Honor is demonstrating an understanding of what’s right and taking pride in that reputation means this: Live up to all the Army values. Implicitly, that’s what you promised when you took your oath of office or enlistment. You made this promise publicly, and the standards—Army values are also public. To be an honorable person, you must be true to your oath and live Army values in all you do.

Honor is easily defined: Doing what is right at all times. Honor is usually the most defining characteristic of a person. "Does he/she do what is right? Is he/she trustworthy? Is he/she HONORABLE???" It's hard to go through life dishonorably. Other people will always look at you differently, knowing that you are an untrustworthy person. As Gen. "Stonewall" Jackson said: "What is life without honor? Degradation is worse than death."

As for your essay. It was really good. The only thing, in my opinion, that should be changed is the whole dialogue bit. It takes away from a professional look of a paper, changing it from an essay into a discourse.

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