With all the excitement surrounding the film, Atlas Shrugged: Part 2, the story based on the famous novel by Ayn Rand, many of her quotes have been popping up on Twitter lately. This one happens to be one of my favorites:
“Honor is self-esteem made visible in action.”
I love that. And, I asked friends on my Facebook LIKE page, “How do YOU interpret this quote by Ms. Rand?”
As always, I received many wise and enlightening responses.
Christie Ellis wrote, “self esteem is confidence you have in yourself and if you are confident in yourself you will honor any action you promise to take.”
Sandra Fry suggested that, “how you view yourself inwardly is evident outwardly.”
Stacey Martino opined, “When you know what you are worth, it’s visible in your actions!”
Mollie Marti said something really interesting: “I first read ‘honor’ as ‘humor’ and think this is true too…being comfortable in our own skin with humility to laugh at ourselves reflects self-esteem. Quote as written says to me that only when we accept and love ourselves can we love and honor the true self of another.”
Lene Jytte Hansen followed up Dr. Mollie’s thought with something I’d never thought of: “actually, you can put all the most valuable words in place of ‘Honor’ and it would make great sense – this shows how wide self-esteem spreads in meaning – e.g. integrity, care, success, influence.”
Thank you. I love the thoughts that EACH of you shared (as well as others that were not included above).
My own interpretation, similar to many who provided theirs, is that one who truly possesses self-esteem also has high values, and will always “act” (action) congruently with those values.
Again, just my interpretation. Would love to know yours.
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Or perhaps…. Honor is unselfish esteem bestowed on strangers, made visible.
Bob,
When I read this great quote I thought of the word believe. The person with self-esteem not only believes in their values but also believes in their ability to effect change based on those values.
Thank’s Bob!!!!
LOVE your interpretation – it makes SO MUCH sence and is VERY simple (may not be easy – but simple) – I believe truth to be simple. When things get too complicated, something is put there, that does not belong there.
This quote is very deep and BEAUTIFUL.
Hugs and Love
I can see how honor is a product of self-esteem. It seems that people who fall short of the expectation of doing the honorable thing often justify it by claiming that they are not of enough worth or value to be held to such a standard. Many acts of dishonor have probably been conducted by individuals who didn’t think very highly of themselves. Perhaps they thought they could have a bigger impact on their environment by doing dishonorable than honorable, making them feel bigger on the outside than they feel they are on the inside. I believe that to expect honorable actions from someone, building up their self-esteem is a critical step.
The only excitement from this “film” is from a few right-wing teabillies who follow this old crone.
Denis: Terrific! Thank you for sharing!
Lene: And, thank you for being one of the responders to the original post on Facebook. I loved the insightful wisdom you shared with us!
Joseph: Awesome! Your thoughts should be read over and over again by anyone who might fall into that category, as well as those who know people such as those you described. Thank you for sharing!
Dane: I respectfully disagree. Looking both at *what* you said and *how* you said it, I’m thinking you might want to recheck your premises and perhaps form a new conclusion. As a side note, insults typically don’t serve to effectively communicate a point. They might instead cause people to think that you are coming from emotion only rather than from a well thought-out idea.
Thank you for sharing that quote with us! On first read I thought I understood it, but when I went to answer your question i realized I needed to think a little bit more about the answer. I appreciate the brain workout!
Self-Esteem comes from Character… Character comes from Integrity… Always Like The Way You Get us To Think Bob!!!
Well, I have journalism and polisci degrees and worked for more than 2 decades in a cross of those fields.
I actually DO know what I’m talking about. Ignorant teabillies (redundant, I know) think this crazy old woman was anything other than an atheist psycho advocating anarchy. And the only part of that statement that’s good is that she was the sensibility to not follow religion.
Christie: Thank YOU for your response on the Facebook page. As always, you were right on the mark. I appreciate you sharing your wisdom with us!
Glenn: Not quite sure I know what you mean by “unselfish esteem” but it certainly has a nice sound to it. Would love to know more.
Terry: Thank you. I like that! Do you think character comes *from* integrity or is “integrity” a result of character? Or, both? Or, is it a “chicken and egg” thing.
Dane: Good morning. Looking at your latest comment and your claim of having been a journalist (and, of course, I’m not doubting or questioning the claim itself), I’m even more confused by the seeming lack of objectivity in your writing style, as well as your tendency to communicate in terms of insults. After all, from what I understand, journalists, while certainly having opinions, are supposed to present what they seeing as being the facts…as facts rather than as insults.
With this in mind, let’s go back through both of your comments and, if I may, I’d like to respond individually to several of your points:
Dane wrote: “The only excitement from this “film” is from a few right-wing teabillies who follow this old crone.”
My response: Ignoring your very directly insulting remarks about members of the Tea Party and Ayn Rand herself, I’d have to question the accuracy of you using the word “only.” After all, personally, I’m neither right-wing (I believe in both economic and personal freedom), nor am I a member of the Tea Party. I also know many others who are neither right wing nor are they members of the Tea Party who are also very excited about the film. One need only be excited about the idea of economic and personal liberty to be excited about seeing the film version of Atlas Shrugged. My question on this, Dane, is, do you stand by your use of the word, “only”?
Dane wrote: “Ignorant teabillies (redundant, I know)”
My response: Very insulting and I believe way over the top. While I personally believe that the Tea Party began as simply an excellent movement calling for small government (and, while never personally a member, I know many very deep thinkers – FAR from ignorant – who are) it did seem to get hijacked into a group with agendas other than simply small government. While, to the degree that happened, it’s unfortunate, I think the insulting and hateful names you are calling them are far, far worse than anything they’ve become. You might want to look a bit more at yourself and ask yourself why you feel the need to spew hate such as that. Just my opinion, of course.
Dane wrote: “…think this crazy old woman was anything other than an atheist psycho advocating anarchy. And the only part of that statement that’s good is that she was the sensibility to not follow religion.”
My response: Let’s look at a few points here, Dane. First, the Tea Party – if they are as right-wing as you claim they are – would be totally against an atheist such as Ayn Rand. So, the logic of your statement sort of ends the moment you put the two together. Secondly, indeed, she was an atheist. In our country, that is a person’s right. I certainly don’t agree with her thoughts in that regard, but I will defend her right to be so, so long as she doesn’t attempt to force anyone else to be the same. Third, she absolutely did *not* endorse “anarchy.” She believed that government’s legitimate functions were to protect the citizenry from force and fraud. That right there is the opposite of anarchy. Fourth, when you say that the only part of that statement that’s good is that she “was (sic) the sensibility to not follow religion” that seems to contradict your seeming “insult” about her being an atheist.
Dane, here’s what (my opinion only, of course) it comes down to: All comments are welcome on this site. And, there is often a differing of opinions. However, those of us in this community tend to have a deeper regard and respect for those who present their opinions in a way that shows respect to others and that present their opinions respectfully. We also tend to respect their opinions more. Insults for the sake of insults will still be posted, but will be the least likely to persuade. Of course, you may or may not care what I or anyone else on this site thinks, and that would be your right, as well.
Thank you for taking the time to join our discussion.
Bob,
This is a great quote, but isn’t necessarily a complete truism. For example, a successful thief might possess high “self-esteem” in their ability to carry out amazing death defying thefts based on their successes, but I would suggest that there is no honor in that. This points to a false assumption by the author, in this case, to man’s basic goodness as opposed to the premise that man is basically corrupt and in need of a transformation (Dane, I already know what you would say with regard to this, so save it – I have heard it all before). However, regardless of a person’s religious, doctrinal, theological background, I believe there can easily be common ground on such a quote as this.
Proper self-esteem would lead to honorable actions, which makes a person’s values visible to others. Words are easy to say, as are planned actions, but it is in those moments of surprise or difficulty that our true “honor” (or lack of it) is revealed.
I always appreciate your willingness to venture into these muddy areas of our minds, where well meaning people will find discord, but the discussion is always of value – thanks Bob!
Hi Bob!
I’ve never heard of this movie but sounds like I should see it. 🙂
What does Honor mean to me?
Honor… is about loving ourselves to be willing to live and die for what we stand for: our legacy.
Without Honor we have nothing.
Steve: Thank you for your well-though-out comments. You and I would agree in some areas and probably disagree on certain aspects of this. The first part is the self-esteem of the thief. While, yes, absolutely a thief might feel pride (i.e., proud of himself) for his success as a thief, I don’t believe that is the same as actually having “self-esteem.” It’s very difficult for me to imagine a thief (even if they don’t care that what they are doing is wrong) as actually having high self-esteem. And, from what I understand, for a person to do what most of us would generally consider to be anti-social (behavior), studies show they don’t have self-esteem. (I.e., psychosis does not equal self-esteem). As a disclaimer, while I have read this and studies have been referred to, I have no actual proof or documentation that such is fact. So, it’s best that I make sure and state that this is more my opinion than anything else.
Our second area of disagreement would be in your statement:
“This points to a false assumption by the author, in this case, to man’s basic goodness as opposed to the premise that man is basically corrupt and in need of a transformation”
Personally, I believe we come into the world with both good inclinations and evil inclinations and that free will is the key in terms of which way we proceed. Of course, that’s a function of our having basic differences in our two religions, in which we of course can respectfully agree to disagree.
I absolutely agree with your statement:
“Proper self-esteem would lead to honorable actions, which makes a person’s values visible to others. Words are easy to say, as are planned actions, but it is in those moments of surprise or difficulty that our true “honor” (or lack of it) is revealed.”
Thank you so much for your always kind and respectful comments, my friend!
Bruno: Yes, and if you get to read the book (it’s a long book but well worth it!) I believe you’ll very much enjoy it. And, thank you for sharing with us your thoughts about “Honor.” Very powerful!
Bob,
Substitute the “thief” with the defense lawyer, wall-street guru (think Gordon Gecko), etc. There are plenty of people in this world with plenty of “self-esteem” who lack honor. As a matter of fact, it boils down to what are literally the most dangerous of all who exist, those with competence but lacking character. Just my $.02, will agree to disagree on the other areas :-).
Steve: I hear what you are saying and, yes, your point is compelling. If that thief, if the defense lawyer is crooked/underhanded, or the Gordon Gecko type (who deliberately lies in his dealings with others) and others such as that actually do possess true “self-esteem” then that would indeed render Ms. Rand’s statement as incomplete.
So, this brings up a great discussion question: “Can someone who exhibits a definite “anti-social” type of behavior truly possess self-esteem? While it’s difficult for me to believe that they can or do…I could very well be wrong.
Anyone want to volunteer some thoughts/opinions?
Steve, thank you for bringing up this very important point!
Excellent, thought provoking post Bob! I enjoyed the comments as well!
Thank YOU!
g
Geneva: Huge thanks for your kind feedback!
Lots of great points but in any case I think the biggest challenge is “Visually” seeing the “results” for ourselves in terms of whether the “Honor and Self-Esteem” is sustainable (or not) to our well being.
There must be a reason for the Gordon Gecko’s in the world but thankfully not all can sustain being one. – My take in this.
Dave: Thank you so much for joining the discussion and sharing your thoughts. Appreciated!
Bob, thanks for the vision and the value that you always bring to the table. Based on some of the comments I can’t wait for the the elections to be over as I think most of us contribute far more to making the world better than our politicians could ever dream of with their laws, bills and programs.
Brian: Thank you for your very kind and encouraging feedback. And, I absolutely agree with your concluding sentence! 🙂
My definition of self-esteem is simply how we perceive our value. Though some may spend their life attempting to drown out their conscience, I believe that the knowledge of right and wrong is innate in all of Mankind. My perspective is obviously shaped by my Christian world view though and as I try to put myself in the mind of someone who sees humans as just the dominant animal on the earth, I can see that one may judge their esteem by the degree that they are able to dominate others.
I have known some sociopaths in my time that, from the common observer, seem to esteem themselves very highly. In these particular situations though, it seemed clear to me that their anti-social, selfish behaviors seemed to be motivated by a deep hole of inadequacy that they were frantically trying to fill.
Rob: Thank you for sharing such powerful and well-reasoned thoughts. Much appreciated!
To me “Honor is self-esteem made visible in action” is also an aspect of the “Go Giver” and authenticity… If in our daily actions we are coming from a place of Giving within that the action itself it is the evidence of self-esteem. From my observations most people that have low self-esteem tend to me more loners and not as apt to Give as much and or be people of Action…
Now the other side to that is some people will say that people with low self-esteem over give because of the self-esteem… However in my personal experience I have found you can always tell about ones self-esteem within any given action…
As always another wonderful banter about Life…
Thanks for the Journey Bob…
Great comments everyone…
Carly Alyssa Thorne
Carly: Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Always glad to have you as part of the conversation. Very appreciated!
Very interesting interactions here… I slid in the back late. Atlas Shrugged Part 1 is available live streaming on Netflix if you have a membership and haven’t seen it. I haven’t read the book, but have seen some of the controversy as spouted by Dane.
As a parent of 6 and in working with an amazing client who develops programs for teens and pre-teens to enhance success and prevent suicide and bullying – self esteem has been trumped by self efficacy, which would align more with the principles of determination, persistence, goal setting and hard work espoused by Ayn Rand.
Parents, educators and psychologists (not the good ones) sought to artificially generate or impart self esteem by telling kids and people how great they are… but true self esteem that makes a difference and emboldens someone to do something to improve their own life or help others comes from a foundation of self efficacy – knowing how to do something and accomplish a goal.
I was talking to my daughter who is thriving as a sophomore in college studying biochemistry and in her own apartment supporting herself this last weekend about this subject. She told me how irritated she and her older brothers used to be (and younger brothers still are… trust me) with how I made them do their own laundry, help with cooking, cleaning, yard work and insisted that as they moved up in school they had more and more accountability for homework completion, deciding what classes to take and so on.
She is so thankful now seeing her peers struggling and feeling incompetent and confused by adult life. And her older brothers have come back with similar feedback and they are having fun teaching others to cook, clean, budget and make decisions. Honor? Yes.
I think that coloring the idea expressed in “Honor is self-esteem made visible in action.” with the premise that self esteem comes from accomplishment and struggle for mastery, not some pretend to be happy nonsense gives it better traction.
Kathryn: Wow – thank you so much. Another – what I call – “thought full” comment. And, it sounds like six kids had a very awesome Mom! 🙂
HAVE Bob… though I’ve been offline and not blogging… in marination but not dead. You’re the bomdiggety too.
What I love is how the quote does not work if you replace self-esteem with the word ego. Self-esteem is being in alignment with the truth of who you are. When we are in the world from an alingment and surety in our truth, honor, integrity, love and all the other power words flow from us for the world to feel. Thanks Bob for that great reminder.
Kathryn: Sorry about that. Totally did not mean it like that! {Whoops!}
Laura: What a great point. While you can replace it with other positive words and it works just as well, it doesn’t work with the negative ones (“ego” in the context you are referring to it is negative. Other uses of the word, “ego” are actually positive). Amazing are the lessons I’ve learned from those who have honored us with their comments. Thank you!
Thoughts become words. Words become actions. Actions become character. Character is everything. – Anonymous… It is from character that self-esteem and honor arise. I believe we haven’t much honor if we aren’t using our gifts to edify others.
Tommy: Thank you for joining the conversation and for sharing your thoughts with us!