Coffee and Philosophy: Honor


Today's mug is brought to us by those delicious accompaniments
that make our coffee even more enjoyable.


I was thinking about the concept of honor today and what I feel that it truly means. I feel that honor is doing what we know at our core to be the right thing and removing ego from the equation. If we honor ourselves, then we must be authentic and true to ourselves because we know we are worthy and the world deserves our authentic self. If we honor others it's because we respect them and recognize them as equals. Obviously ego can get in the way of this some times and our "honor" can be tainted by fear or limiting beliefs, but we all have the ability to honor ourselves and change. We can break down toxic logic and behaviors and even if we can't fix every situation, we can honor ourselves by learning from our mistakes and not repeating them. Honor is something we do for ourselves as much as for others. What do you think? Namaste.

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True honor is doing what we know at the core to be right. However I think of its close cousin, integrity. Which is doing what is right and honest even when no one is watching. It is between you and God then. Integrity goes with honor as part of being a REAL person. It is what makes a man a man or a woman a woman. Few people embrace these principles anymore as the world has become self centered and the me generation. it started with the modern kitchen of the 1950's and fast food, fast cars and fast women. It went on to the me generation of the 1960's. Do not get me wrong I love much of what the 1960's stood for ad wish we had many thing s of that today. But we have the grandchildren of that generation. And so we have witnessed the lowering of the bar of honor and integrity in our society. We have gone from the Scouts motto of honor to others to the apathy or the what's in for me attitude. Honor and integrity have been taken to the landfill for disposal until some archaeologist of moral standards discovers the relics in several layers of cultural decay.

It's a far from perfect world, but we all have to be the example for each other. Thanks for sharing!

I like the way you put this. I always called it being in integrity with myself, but saying honoring myself means even more.
I can always feel if I'm not. Honoring ourselves and others sends out positive, beautiful energy. Thanks for reminding me. :-)

Thanks for honoring yourself and others!

We can break down toxic logic ! thx for this magic sentence:)

I attempt to break down my own every day.

We must respect everyone whether they are junior or senior.Everyone has their own value.

I never liked the saying respect has to be earned. I feel more like respect just is and if people don't respect me then I stop acknowledging them.

I think that honor is one of the most misused words today! People even take it as an excuse for murder... You have described the true meaning of the word, thank you!

Thanks for your encouragement! I try my best.

The Philosopher Immanuel Kant created a concept called the
"Categorical Imperative".

Kant argues that Honor is a reciprocal process:
Treat others as you wish to be treated.

Thanks :)

I particularly like your thoughts on doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. I would add that following though with commitments, is a part of that, too.
A few years back, I built a straw bale home for a client. It was an experimental design, involving a timber frame structure, with bales as the insulative in-fill wall. The project ended up going over budget and significantly over our time-lines.
I had committed myself to complete the home for my clients and to learn some new building techniques. Money was running short and frustrations were mounting. It was difficult to stay positive, but something inside me kept me going.
I am a builder with integrity and when commit to a project, I see it through.... no matter what.
In the end, we managed to finish their home, even though I was working for free the last month. It was hard yes, but I walked away with my integrity intact and some lessons learned. Had I not completed the project, the cost in personal terms, would have been unbearable.
Doing the right thing isn't always easy, but the rewards last a lifetime.

I hear you on that!

Fabulous lesson.. your tenacity imbued the walls with the strength needed to go through life within the home, no matter the frustrations and agonies one comes through. Great gift you gave your clients x

Thank you so much!
Its a gift that keeps on giving, particularly if people reading this, are inspired to act with honour, as well.

as always,simply philosophy....i think that honor like respect is reciprocal...
guy am 10followers away from a milestone of 100 followers....upvote my comment and follow please...thanks.

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Honour is when you treat others with respect as much as you would have them treat you.
Well said @philosophy-trail
Upvoted and followed.. Please do keep in touch

Good job..i think we need that.

Well Said ... thanks for sharing

Great way to see things. I enjoy the reading. Thank for sharing your thoughts. Resteem @philosophy-trail

In Shakespeare's Hamlet, Polonius gives these words of advice to his son:

This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Farewell, my blessing season this in thee!
(Hamlet, Act I, Scene 3)

I think Shakespeare would agree with you here (or at least, Polonius). If one's honor is connected to truthfulness, genuineness, and authenticity, then "it must follow, as the night the day" that we are true to others if we are true to ourselves. In that way, when we honor ourselves, we also honor each other.

very important perspective to have isn't it, the honoring of oneself xD

I think you are exactly right! Honor means doing the right thing when no one's looking. Honor is having the courage to stand up for what's right, even if everyone else disagrees. Honor is being true to yourself and your heritage no matter what. Great article :)

I really like me that you mentioned that our honor can be tainted by things like pride and fear. I think that a large part of "honor" is respect for both yourself and others, which is where true honor comes from.