Honor?

Is there any honor left in this world? It used to be that people died for honor, women protected their honor, a man fought for someones honor, and people did things that were honorable. Now what? All for gain. If it doesn't get you money, fame or prestige, then forget it. People cheapen themselves and their character (if they have any) for a moment of something that is a thin and brittle impostor of Honor. It makes me sad.

Honor was a central virtue for the Greeks. Achilles speaks of the loss of honor as the source of his rage.

One gains honor with age, rank and distinction. It is closely associated with one's personal values. It appears that there is very little respect for age, rank or accomplishment now. Children don't even respect their own parents. And values seem to have disappeared with the growing use of daycare and television as babysitters.

There was a time when men in uniform were revered for their service, and their sacrifice, and their bravery. Now they are questioned and courtmartialed and spit upon by the same people they swore to give their lives to protect. In fact, it is their sacrifice that gave you the freedom to voice your disdain for them and their jobs.

Politicians are sleazy. Disgusting. Nobody seems to mind it in this country. Where is their honor?

And what of gang warfare and the machismo that leads to bar fights? Is that a true defense of honor, or a crude animal-like behavior disguised as a poor form of honor?

I don't know. However, I think that we could all benefit from a RAISING OF THE BAR. Raise your personal bar, and expect better of yourself, and for yourself. Don't accept any less than honorable behavior from yourself and those around you. Treat others honorably as well. Will this spread? try it and see.