Latin writer Publilius Syrus asked the question: “What is left when honor is lost?” He never really had an answer, but he made people think. Honor is something that is very important to people. It defines who you are and what you have done. Though it’s a very common word, it’s not easily explained because of it’s diversity and tendency to change over time. Imagine a time when men would fight other men to gain respect. An era where damsels in distress were saved by these men . This was what honor looked like once. In a website called “The Art Of Manliness”, they define honor as having “...respect from the honor group and praise from the honor group”. People believed they had to duel to keep or earn their honor, or be a hero to others. That way of thinking does make an appearance in honor today but it is given in a different way.
Today honor is seen more and more with women. Especially with feminists. They don’t believe in being the “damsels in distress” any more. They stand up for their rights and are defending …show more content…
In Japan, it is considered dishonorable to you and your family to surrender. They are told “Do not live in shame as a prisoner. Die, and leave no ignominious crime behind you”. (Powers, David). To surrender or be taken prisoner is shameful to them. However, in most religions, it is wrong or even sinful to commit suicide. This is just one example of how honor is Honor is something that changes depending on the person you talk to, where they’re from, or simply what they believe in. It can be earned through a heroic act, or given because of the way you live your life. To answer Publilius Syrus: without honor, there wouldn’t be any hope to become better. Honor is something that drives people to stand up for themselves and to fight for what they believe is right. Even though it is gained in diverse ways, it’s something all people have in common, no matter where they live or what time they’re