[July 17, 2025] From the wisdom of the ancient armies, we learn that honor is the bedrock of military command and success on the battlefield. But today, honor is no longer fashionable. Diversity of race and sex, power, fame, and control are the mainstay of career generals and admirals.
“Cynicism, hypocrisy, sentimental reasoning, irrational and naive pacifist banners and slogans, and sympathy for ‘the oppressed’ are in style. But honor frightens the spineless men and women of our time.” — Itxu Díaz, in the Tablet, July 15, 2025
Special thanks to Mr. Diaz for providing the core ideas here. As he noted, Western civilization was “founded on the shoulders of men of honor.” Harking back at least to classical Greco-Roman times, honor is both what you do to be honorable and how others perceive you.
These foundations of a man of honor include responsibility to one’s family, the military, civic, and our religious institutions. This means a strong sense of social duty for all. Being an honorable man means being a dangerous man who is capable of
And in the very classic view, the Western notion of honor is also a collective heritage, the triumphs of our ancestors that fostered the prosperity of a civilization where we can live in freedom. It should come as no surprise, however, that we must first answer to God before our own institutions.
One way to see the need for honor is to look at times when a sense of dishonor led to near disaster. On September 21, 1780, American Revolutionary General Benedict Arnold turned his back on his country in a secret meeting with a top British official.
Arnold was a talented military commander in the field. He would go on to lead British troops in several battles, but for naught. Ultimately, the British lost, and Arnold would flee to England.
Western civilization is built upon a tradition of honor passed down through generations. This includes the firm embrace of ideals of political and religious freedoms and equality before the law. As part of our Judeo-Christian tradition, we learn that taking on responsibility and making sacrifices for future generations is the right path forward.
Honor drives us forward out of moral conviction, not hatred. Honor is the good soldier Chesterton described as one who “fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.”
Honor is indeed an ancient code, but it is also the bedrock upon which great civilizations, institutions, communities, and families are built. It is also true that while honor may be unfashionable, the West must recognize that to survive as the beacon of light to the rest of the world, we must retain honor.
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“Honor is the bedrock of Command” … of military command or any senior leader position. Good to see that being discussed here.
“Honor” may be an ancient code of conduct but we know that because it is right for us. Any story, ant code of conduct, anything that has survived the ravages of thousands of years means it works.
I agree with the article writer in the TABLET about how HONOR scares the bejesus out of some folks. Why? Well I’m sure some psychologist has an answer. I know it’s hard but isn’t that what life is about …. struggle against the difficulties in life.
“Cynicism, hypocrisy, sentimental reasoning, irrational and naive pacifist banners and slogans, and sympathy for ‘the oppressed’ are in style. But honor frightens the spineless men and women of our time.” — Itxu Díaz, in the Tablet, July 15, 2025
The Tablet is a great website too.
Best quote I’ve read in weeks. Thanks Liz, good to hear from you again.
A truly informative and philosophical piece from Gen. S. Sir, well done. Let’s not let go of these kind of articles. They are, for me anyway, the best of your articles. Discussing the insides of leadership and being a good person helps me be a better person.
Wow, nicely written and I agree with Army Vet (below) that our young do not understand. We have taught them to look only at themselves and not to their community or nation. Honor stands above all but God. For we exist and are successful only because of Him and the fact we possess the honor to respect that.
And “adopting responsibility” and “proper sacrifice” are the elements that are what make up honor. Never forget those values.
King, you nailed it. You and the others here are the reason I read these comments, to add a tad bit to what Gen. Doug Satterfield writes for us. I just finished reading for a second time, “55 rules for a good life.” Plenty of ancient wisdom there too. I highly recommend that book. 📕
Exactly the theme that Gen. Satterfield writes about nearly in every article here.
Well said, Gen. Satterfield. Today’s youth has no concept of honor or sacrifice.