Having studied American History for some time, with certain foci (The American Revolution, progressivism, political intrigue and assassination, Constitutional government, libertarianism) something has been bothering me.
Like most civilizations, historically, we have (had) a code and at least made an effort to abide by it. A man’s word is his bond. A handshake means something, as does a signature. Being a gentlemen means holding to certain standards of behavior and deportment. Honor.
But, it appears all this is now a facade; it has all fallen away. Especially regarding men of influence and power. Lying, cheating, stealing, having an alternate code of whatever it takes to accomplish ‘x’, rules the day.
I remember my College Course ‘Introduction to Western Civilization’ wherein Dr. Smith taught us that The Roman Empire didn’t fall because of barbarian attack. It fell because of a decline in morals – in short, a loss of honorable men.
I’ve been following the articles on Manly Honor, as posted in The Art of Manliness website. I suggest we need to return to the evolution of the Code in the Twentieth Century – Personal Integrity.
As author Brett states in Manly Honor VII…
But today in this final post I want to strip away many of those layers and try to get back down to the heart of manly honor – the basics of why it’s worth preserving and how we can, and must, revive elements of it in this anti-honor-honor world.
You should go and read, not only this chapter, but the previous six. Both men and women. We can restore civility, integrity and a code of behavior as it once was, if we agree to take a code upon ourselves to behave and act accordingly. And by doing so, perhaps we can reverse this trend wherein people protest by destroying and stealing property, and songs are written about killing civil authority and defiling women. By being an example for our youth. By doing what’s right for the American Culture and our own worth.
Yes, we can restore an honor code in our behavior. It won’t be easy, but if we push until something gives, it will eventually become “the thing to do” and achieve critical mass.
Posted by Rev. Paul | December 26, 2012, 10:29 amAgreed. As a libertarian, the only pushing I can do is on myself, to attempt to set and example.
Hopefully enough folks are already doing this and we will achieve critical mass.
Thanks!
Posted by guffaw1952 | December 26, 2012, 10:38 amunfortunately it most likely will take something reaching critical mass before people change their ways…. you generally have to reach the bottom of the barrel before you realize you need to go back up.
Posted by Matt | December 26, 2012, 3:25 pmHaven’t we reached it? I have to look up to see the bung!
Posted by guffaw1952 | December 26, 2012, 3:27 pmOh I guess that depends on exactly which area you look at. But yes generally speaking I think we have. Too bad we have fools in this country with picks and shovels still digging…..
Posted by Matt | December 26, 2012, 4:31 pmAnd that’s the saddest analogy of the day!
Posted by guffaw1952 | December 26, 2012, 5:26 pm