18 Powerful Quotes About Honor That Inspire Integrity
What does honor mean?
Honor is one of those words that has a wide variety of meanings and interpretations. It can be used in everyday language to signify respect or esteem, but it also has its roots as an ancient military term for bravery or courage. Honor means different things in different cultures and over different eras.
Honor goes hand in hand with other important virtues such as honesty, integrity and loyalty.
Why is honor important?
Honor is important in relationships, workplaces and society in general as it shows respect and honesty. When people continually don’t ‘honor their word’ they are considered to be untrustworthy, which oftens causes a breakdown in professional and personal relationships.
In a world where honor is often seen as an old-fashioned virtue, it’s important to remember that there are deep and meaningful reasons we should all strive for honorable actions in our lives. In addition to how it affects our interactions with others, honor is important to how we see ourselves. Living with honor, through our words and actions, is also important for our own self-esteem and confidence.
How do you demonstrate honor?
Similar to when showing integrity, demonstrating honor involves doing the honorable thing, even if nobody will know either way. You can also demonstrate honor in personal or workplace situations by being honest and forthright in your dealings with people and showing people you respect and honor them through your words and actions.
Being honorable doesn’t mean being perfect, however, as Maya Angelou said:
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
Quotes About Honor
This collection of quotes about honor and respect are a great way to gain a greater perspective on honor and to inspire an honorable life:
“Stand for what is right. Even if it means standing alone.” Unknown
“Be honorable yourself if you wish to associate with honorable people.” Proverb
“I would prefer even to fail with honor than win by cheating.” Sophocles
“Be honest. Be kind. Be honorable. Work hard. And always be awesome.” Wil Wheaton
“There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose.” Garth Stein
“You should not honor men more than truth.” Plato
“Reputation is what other people know about you. Honor is what you know about yourself.” Lois McMaster Bujold
“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have.” Abraham Lincoln
Quotes About Honor and Respect
“Without integrity and honor, having everything means nothing.” Robin Sharma
“…Next time you’re faced with a choice, do the right thing. It hurts everyone less in the long run.” Wendelin Van Draanen
“Success without honor is an unseasoned dish; it will satisfy your hunger but it won’t taste good.” Joe Paterno
“We treat people like royalty. If you honor and serve the people who work for you, they will honor and serve you.” Mary Kay Ash
“There is no beauty in sadness. No honor in suffering. No growth in fear. No relief in hate. It’s just a waste of perfectly good happiness.” Katerina Stoykova Klemer
“It is not titles that honour men, but men that honour titles.” Niccolò Machiavelli
“Leaders honor their core values but they are flexible in how they execute them.” Colin Powell
“I will remember this, thought Ender, when I am defeated. To keep dignity, and give honor where it’s due, so that defeat is not disgrace. And I hope I don’t have to do it often.” Orson Scott Card
“No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.” Calvin Coolidge
“Respect yourself and others will respect you.” Confucius
We believe that honor is the very foundation of character, and it has been so regarded by all great thinkers. In honoring others we are acknowledging their worth, in respecting them as equals; yet at the same time we find our own dignity enhanced because they too recognize us as being honorable.
If you’re looking for more inspiring quotes, be sure to check out:
- 40 Interesting Quotes on Honesty in Life & Relationships
- 32 Quotes About Empathy and Compassion
- Loyalty Quotes & Sayings (For Friends & Relationships)
- 50+ Powerful Quotes About Kindness
- 58 Powerful Quotes That Hit Hard
- Inspiring Integrity Quotes For The Workplace
- 28 Work Challenges Quotes
