“A man of honour should never forget what he is because he sees what others are.”
Baltasar Gracian
Honour is that concept that falls into the mists of history and does not seem to raise its head in the modern world so much. When we talk of honour now we tend to think of the Military, men from the past, and the media always make reference to the fact that we are living in a society without much of it. What is honour for the modern gentleman?
In his dictionary, Dr Johnson defined it as ‘nobility of soul, magnanimity and a scorn of meanness.’ The modern dictionary defines it as ‘personal integrity; Allegiance to Moral Principle’. Who defines the morals? We prefer Dr Johnson’s version.
“He loved chivalrie, Trouthe and honour, fredom and curteisie.”
Geoffrey Chaucer
It is bound up in reputation and the code of behaviour that defines that reputation. That reputation can be yours alone or indeed a group or organisation that your feel defines your principles. Being that true gentleman is about adhering to one’s own code of honour based on the values that one holds true, such as those in here and those within one’s cultural and social boundaries.
“The desire to win is born in most of us. The will to win is a matter of training. The manner of winning is a matter of honour.”
Margaret Thatcher
Honour is totally bound up in the actions that you take and the principles for which you stand, make them worthy of yourself, the gentlemen around you, and the world at Large.
“Reputation is what other people know about you. Honor is what you know about yourself.”
Lois McMaster Bujold
A Gentleman’s Hint:
Your Word is your bond – Never make a promise that you cannot keep. Keep your word, whether that be delivering a deadline, document or letter.
