Honor (Open Post)
I review cases and honor codes sometimes for work. I noted one thing I was impressed by...
The Cadet Honor Code is defined as "A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do." The Honor Code expresses four succinct prohibitions. On a behavioral level, the Code represents a simple standard for all cadets. On a developmental plane, West Point expects that all cadets will strive to live far above the minimum standard of behavior and develop a commitment to ethical principles guiding moral actions (italicized to stress by toxins).
I think it is the concept that is important. It applies to professionals, academics, soldiers, coworkers, friends, and others. Too many people try to live by the minimum standard required (if they even choose to elevate to that level). Very few choose to exceed minimum standards. I think many fall short (even with the easiest of standards) all to often in life.
"Tradition never did and never will require one on duty to assume responsibility for the derelictions of a Classmate or shipmate. Worthwhile friends will not place a Midshipman on duty in a position where he must either report them or himself or assume the responsibility for an offence more serious-neglect of duty-which may carry with it distrust and possible dismissal. Class spirit is commendable…But it is indefensible through a mistaken idea of “Class honor” to shield another who has knowingly failed to accord to the regiment that honorable position which generations of Midshipmen have earned for it."
By Professor Bob Rau and edited by Professor Ann Marie Drew
The reason the above is so significant is because mistakes in war get men killed.
"The Honor Concept represents the minimum standard for midshipmen. Honor, personal integrity, and loyalty to the service, its customs, and its traditions, are fundamental characteristics essential to a successful Naval officer. Renewed emphasis has been placed on "doing what is right" rather than simply not breaking the rules (stress by toxins). Midshipmen unable to conduct themselves in a manner exhibiting the highest standards of honesty and integrity may not be fit to hold a commission in the Naval Service and jeopardize their privilege of being a member of the Brigade of Midshipmen."
While the military stresses honor, these concepts are not limited to military personnel. Just food for thought.
word, toxins
The Cadet Honor Code is defined as "A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do." The Honor Code expresses four succinct prohibitions. On a behavioral level, the Code represents a simple standard for all cadets. On a developmental plane, West Point expects that all cadets will strive to live far above the minimum standard of behavior and develop a commitment to ethical principles guiding moral actions (italicized to stress by toxins).
I think it is the concept that is important. It applies to professionals, academics, soldiers, coworkers, friends, and others. Too many people try to live by the minimum standard required (if they even choose to elevate to that level). Very few choose to exceed minimum standards. I think many fall short (even with the easiest of standards) all to often in life.
"Tradition never did and never will require one on duty to assume responsibility for the derelictions of a Classmate or shipmate. Worthwhile friends will not place a Midshipman on duty in a position where he must either report them or himself or assume the responsibility for an offence more serious-neglect of duty-which may carry with it distrust and possible dismissal. Class spirit is commendable…But it is indefensible through a mistaken idea of “Class honor” to shield another who has knowingly failed to accord to the regiment that honorable position which generations of Midshipmen have earned for it."
By Professor Bob Rau and edited by Professor Ann Marie Drew
The reason the above is so significant is because mistakes in war get men killed.
"The Honor Concept represents the minimum standard for midshipmen. Honor, personal integrity, and loyalty to the service, its customs, and its traditions, are fundamental characteristics essential to a successful Naval officer. Renewed emphasis has been placed on "doing what is right" rather than simply not breaking the rules (stress by toxins). Midshipmen unable to conduct themselves in a manner exhibiting the highest standards of honesty and integrity may not be fit to hold a commission in the Naval Service and jeopardize their privilege of being a member of the Brigade of Midshipmen."
While the military stresses honor, these concepts are not limited to military personnel. Just food for thought.
word, toxins