Honor vs Honors

What is the difference between graduating with honors and earning the medal of honor?

In both cases, you have to earn it. Graduating with honors shows that you have taken the time and energy required to pass your courses.

What does this say about the person that graduates with honors? It might say they are dedicated to their studies - but we all know this is only true some of the time. That's because we all have met the accidental genius that just seems to be able to memorize history and math facts as easily as the alphabet. They make the typical honors student mad with how easy they earn their grades.

But in general, we might say they worked hard. It doesn't tell us if they are going to be a good boss, a good parent, or a good spouse. It simply tells us they can study and pass an exam.

What about the medal of honor? Well, you have to join the military for one. And after that, you have to do something that shows "Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty."

That's a lot of words to say "I was willing to lay my life down for the good of others."

Interesting how one honor is a measure of the mind, while the other might be a measure of the heart.

Both are commendable. But I have to admit, beyond education, it is hard to earn more honors for intellect. However, even the simplest among us (Forest Gump) are capable of earning honor that comes from a heart condition.

How might you earn honor in your day to day? Certainly, you don't have to take a bullet. But honor can come from, well, honesty. Another thing you might find is that being sincere or dependable are characteristics others value and... honor.

What about living out your honor? Being respectful, helpful, and thoughtful toward others - whether friend, stranger, or enemy. Being consistent to yourself despite how others treat you. These are again honorable traits.

In all these cases, these things are within your power to control. Will you make a choice to live honorably? What specifically will you do (at home, at work, at play)?