I was originally going to aim this query at other adult males here but maybe not.
A woman could possibly/most likely provide a very different and even more valuable opinion.
My question to you is this:
"What contitutes an honorable man? And how long does it take you to really believe that a man is one?"
In the past week I have met quite a few people.
Over twenty of them at least. (I started a new job)
Whenever I meet another person for the first time, no matter what sex they may be, I want to give them a most favorable first impression.
A person will never experience another first impression from me ever again in their life so I want to make sure it's a good one.
I hope that one of those first impressions they get is that I am honorable.
Even though I have faults, as many of us do, I for the most part consider myself to be "an honorable man".
"hon·or·a·ble"
ADJECTIVE:
1. Deserving or winning honor and respect: led an honorable life.
2. ringing distinction or recognition: honorable service to one's nation.
3. Possessing and characterized by honor: an honorable person.
4. Consistent with honor or good name: followed the only honorable course of action."
I have never betrayed a friend or family member in a vengeful or cruel manner.
I would jump into a crisis situation and offer my help if someone was injured regardless of any risk to myself. (even though I'd be scared s**tless!)
I give every man a nod of my head in acknowledgement as I walk past them on the street regardless of race, creed or color.
I would volunteer my life & service if required by the miltary in a time of war for my country if asked to do so.
I have never struck or harmed a member of the opposite sex nor ever will.
I have never committed a felony or violent crime and never would.
Those examples are just a small sample of what makes a man honorable.
I've met a few guys in my lifetime that, starting with their handshake, I just knew that they lacked honor, or any other redeeming qualities.
You know....scumbags....
And you can sense that s**t right off the bat and eventually your intuitions come true as you always knew they would by witnessing their behaviors & actions.
What, in your opinion makes a man honorable?
What movie character do you personally find "The Most Honorable" and why?
Post Edited (09-09-04 08:23)
ASH, this is a great question. I personally look at honor in very simple terms:
1. Do you keep your promises?
2. Do you make promises that you can keep?
In short, do you deliver what you say you will and then make your best effort to over-deliver?
I believe all of your points to exhibit honor....for you personally. I would say the following of each point...
1. Why be honorable to just friends and family, why not strangers?
2. During a crisis, is it more honorable to die helping or live to serve the survivors?
3. Is your acknowledgement of all people altruistic or do you feel some sense of fulfillment?
4. Volunteering for a war you believe in is honorable, I would do the same. However, you can choose not to fight due to a higher value on life (priest, rabbi) and still be honorable.
5. Physically striking a woman is only one form of abuse. Have you ever called one a b***h or c***? Neither act is particularly honorable.
6. If you were starving...better yet, if your children were starving, would you steal food to feed her or him? If so, you are honorable to me.
I think honor is extremely situational. Your points all exhibit honor but could easily not apply to all honorable men.
I think Obi-wan Kenobi was honorable.
I think Rick in Casablanca, while a scoundrel, was honorable.
Great topic!!!!