I misread that as "horrible," and I thought, "Well, on occasion, yes."
As far as honourable, well, I stick to my promises, even when I don't have to.
I don't really like the word "honour" so much as I prefer "integrity". . . I like the implication of wholeness and harmony in the word. It's almost like the very idea of rta, really.
In many ways I agree with you. I try to act with integrity at all times, and there are problematic associations with the word "honor."
On the other hand, I think there's a lot to be said for striving to be honorable, depending on its definition (which varies to some extent from person to person.) In Spanish there are two words for honor - "honra," which implies concern for one's reputation; and "honor," which refers to one's consistency of behavior regardless of circumstances. (Don Quixote had exemplary honor, but damaged the honra of his family.)
Sorry. "Rta" is a Sanskrit word (becoming more common in my speech as I learn about Vedism. . . the concepts are beautiful). Think about it as "pattern" or "art" or "the cosmic order where everything is in its place at all times." Like most religious concepts from the IE world, our IE language doesn't have a direct, one-word translation that always fits it.
I don't think (and don't think you think) that striving for honour and integrity are mutually exclusive. I do think, though, that if I were pushed to pick one concept or the other, I'd go with integrity over honour.
I don't think (and don't think you think) that striving for honour and integrity are mutually exclusive.
Um, no, that was poor writing on my part. ;-) I believe that there is a great deal of overlap between honor and integrity, and I'm not sure you can have one without the other. I don't quite see them as synonyms, though, and I'm curious to find differences between the concepts, if there are any.
"Honor" is a loaded term, which I guess is why you're asking. :)
So far as the honesty/fairness side of honor goes, I would guess I would call myself honorable. But when it comes to the high respect/glory/etc. side of it I would not, mainly because these are social connotations that I don't care for. (looks like I defined the word in the answer, sweet)
You remember yesterday when I was discussing my election dilemma with you? I can't decide if my position was honorable (sticking by the candidate I originally promised to help elect, even after changing my mind). Or would it have been more honorable to acknowledge that my beliefs had changed, and therefore break my promise to support my original candidate?I think in that context, neither position would be dishonorable. An election is a job interview, and it's expected that you might like one candidate for X reasons, but then decide that you prefer another candidate for Y reasons. Or you could decide the original candidate you prefer has flaws, but those flaws aren't serious enough to cancel out the strengths of that candidate
( ... )
I like the idea of being a "free agent" as a voter; it hadn't occurred to me before. I did donate to Hillary's campaign, but didn't "officially" work for her, so I guess that's still alright.
*nods* And, if it was Hillary, I believe she asked her supporters to rally behind Obama (I didn't see the speech, and am sort of assuming it's the case because the media tells me so), which would mean that you're certainly not breaking your word. You're just listening to what she said.
Now, if you voted for Bob Barr or McCain, then maybe I could see a possible dilemma in honour, but not really then, even.
I suppose this isn't the book definition but in my mind I've always associated being honorable with being ethical, or holding to ones own code of ethics (or a moral code?). Now, seeing as how different people may consider different things ethical, it may be difficult to pinpoint exactly what it would mean to me. I also associate it with keeping ones word (or honesty). And, by my own definition of honor, I tend to consider myself an honorable person. But, would someone else consider me honorable, I don't know. I suppose there is that part of it that may be concerned with saving face, or projecting a certain image, which can be negative, but can also be positive, in the sense that you can have reputation where people feel that they can count on you, or trust your word, and that could be honorable. Hope that makes sense.
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As far as honourable, well, I stick to my promises, even when I don't have to.
I don't really like the word "honour" so much as I prefer "integrity". . . I like the implication of wholeness and harmony in the word. It's almost like the very idea of rta, really.
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In many ways I agree with you. I try to act with integrity at all times, and there are problematic associations with the word "honor."
On the other hand, I think there's a lot to be said for striving to be honorable, depending on its definition (which varies to some extent from person to person.) In Spanish there are two words for honor - "honra," which implies concern for one's reputation; and "honor," which refers to one's consistency of behavior regardless of circumstances. (Don Quixote had exemplary honor, but damaged the honra of his family.)
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I don't think (and don't think you think) that striving for honour and integrity are mutually exclusive. I do think, though, that if I were pushed to pick one concept or the other, I'd go with integrity over honour.
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Um, no, that was poor writing on my part. ;-) I believe that there is a great deal of overlap between honor and integrity, and I'm not sure you can have one without the other. I don't quite see them as synonyms, though, and I'm curious to find differences between the concepts, if there are any.
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So far as the honesty/fairness side of honor goes, I would guess I would call myself honorable. But when it comes to the high respect/glory/etc. side of it I would not, mainly because these are social connotations that I don't care for. (looks like I defined the word in the answer, sweet)
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Good work on defining honor. ;-) So far we have honor as encompasing:
honesty
fairness
keeping one's word
It will be interesting to see if anything is added to the list.
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Now, if you voted for Bob Barr or McCain, then maybe I could see a possible dilemma in honour, but not really then, even.
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I also associate it with keeping ones word (or honesty). And, by my own definition of honor, I tend to consider myself an honorable person.
But, would someone else consider me honorable, I don't know.
I suppose there is that part of it that may be concerned with saving face, or projecting a certain image, which can be negative, but can also be positive, in the sense that you can have reputation where people feel that they can count on you, or trust your word, and that could be honorable.
Hope that makes sense.
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Yes, it does. My next step might be in asking people about their moral codes. :-)
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