An honor code is different for each person. Everybody has some standard or set of morals that they hold above anything. Many people establish an honor code when they join a disciplined organization or group like the military. An honor code is something that people follow to better themselves and better the people around them. It allows them to become better people, and help their neighbors. This is such an important quality, especially today. To have an honor code is not to just say the words and that’s it. It means that you understand what the words mean, and follow the message in the code every day.
Honor is something that can be bestowed upon someone, like from the military for instance, or it can be something that is established by one’s self. I am an Eagle Scout, and during my time in the BSA, I was taught an honor code that basically said that my duty is to help those around me, and better myself so that I can help even more people. Since I am no longer as active in the BSA as I was, I have established an honor code that is based off the code I learned in the BSA. I still follow the rule to better myself to help more people.
Having an honor code may means something. It means that you try and follow a set of rules and morals, which is a fantastic quality to have. But having an honor code and being honorable are two different things. Honor is something that is earned. It is a quality that is sought after by many, but only a few obtain it because they truly believe in the morals that they have and the rules that they follow.
Everybody’s honor code is different in some way, shape, or form. If you do not have an honor code, make one. It can be as simple as following the rules they taught you in school. Be good to others, and be good to yourself. Now that doesn’t mean go out and buy yourself everything you’ve ever wanted. If you’ve got the money for it than by all means do it. But don’t forget the other part. Be good to others. Make the world a better place. Help those who need it but don’t ask for it. Follow the honor code you establish, or the honor code that was bestowed upon you, and you will go far in life.
