Death Before Dishonor

“Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud.” – Sphocies

Certain incidents have caused me to reflect on the concept of honor and how important it is as an individual and to society as a whole. Honor can be defined as that which rightfully attracts esteem, respect, or reverence. It is synonymous with personal integrity, dignity, and a good reputation.

Honor was once held in such high regard that a person would rather die than lose his honor or bring disgrace on himself, his family, or country. In ancient Rome, the phrase “death before dishonor” was used as a battle cry. It was also uttered immediately before a Roman centurion would fall on his own sword to avoid humiliation and death at the hands of his enemies. The phrase can also be found in Japan and China. The Chinese phrase roughly translates as “you can die, but you cannot allow dishonor upon yourself.

Since the feudal medieval period in Japan, the code of the Bushido, or “the way of the warrior,” required adherence to a unique Japanese code of conduct that emphasized virtues such as honor, loyalty, obedience, duty and self-sacrifice of a samurai. Bushido philosophy also enforces conduct of calmness, fairness, justice and propriety. All of these character traits, along with the intricate details of conduct, appearance and grooming, could be seen as one’s constant preparation for death in an honorable manner. The ultimate aim of a warrior was to die with one’s honor intact by living according to Bushido. Throughout the Pacific, including Saipan, there are numerous stories of Japanese soldiers who carried this fighting spirit by refusing to surrender for months, or even years after World War II ended.

“Death before dishonor” has also been popularized by U.S. military units and individuals who tattoo the phrase on their body – which has come to mean that an individual would rather die than go against anything they strongly believe, or bring shame upon oneself, friends, family, or country.

Honor is something that seems to have gone out of vogue with many of the rising generation. Rather than being selfless or standing up for one’s beliefs with conviction, some youth seem to “go with the flow” and often show a lack of respect and reverence for individuals or ideals that were once held in high regard. Honor and honesty appears to be an option that can quickly be abandoned for expediency or to avoid punishment.

Honor and being honorable is the sign of a person with high character, virtue, and moral worth. We honor those who have demonstrated their honor to their country or a great cause. Academic institutions recognize students with honors and we show respect to judges by calling them “your honor.” Individuals with a sense of honor have integrity, are trustworthy, and demonstrate respect for others and their beliefs.

According to sacred writings, the source of God’s power is derived from his honor. Everything in the universe honor’s His word and obeys His command because He is the personification of honor, and cannot lie. I should say that everything obeys and honors the word of God, except humans who have been given their agency to be disobedient and dishonorable. Many denominations believe that the highest rewards are bestowed upon those who return with honor by honoring God and living with honor among their fellow sojourners on earth.

Those who honor their word are held in high regard and are given greater responsibility and opportunities. By honoring others we become more honorable. There should be a renaissance of Bushido to bring back the chivalry that was once prevalent in Eastern and Western culture. Could you imagine what would happen if families taught their children to both honor and become honorable? Imagine how our situation would be so much different if our leaders acted honorably and conducted all of their affairs with the utmost honor?

Death before dishonor may seem extreme, but it emphasizes the degree to which some will go to maintain their honor. It is important to live each day in honor and to maintain an honorable life – one that will bring high esteem and respect for your actions.

“He has honor if he holds himself to an ideal of conduct though it is inconvenient, unprofitable, or dangerous to do so.” – Walther Lippmann