Gaining honour means showing the world your worth without harming yourself. Some people chase after recognition and fame, putting on a show to impress others, but they often lack true admiration from within. Others do the opposite: they hide their abilities so well that people underestimate them.
If you do something no one else has done before, or something others have failed at, or you improve on what’s already been achieved, you’ll earn more respect than simply following the crowd on a harder task. Striking a balance in your actions so that different groups of people are pleased will make your reputation stronger. But be careful not to take on projects where failure could hurt your standing more than success could help it.
Honour gained at another’s expense shines brightest, like a diamond expertly cut. This means it’s wise to outdo your rivals at their own game. Having loyal and capable supporters also boosts your reputation; as the saying goes, “All reputation comes from those closest to you.” Envy, which eats away at honour, is best overcome by focusing on earning true merit rather than seeking fame, and by crediting your success to divine guidance or good fortune rather than personal brilliance.
The highest levels of honour are these: First come those who establish empires and states, such as Romulus, Cyrus, Caesar, Ottoman, and Ismael. Next are the lawgivers—“second founders” like Lycurgus, Solon, and Justinian—whose rules endure long after they’re gone. After them are liberators, who end civil wars or free nations from tyranny, like Augustus Caesar, Henry VII of England, and Henry IV of France. Then there are those who expand territories through honourable wars or defend against invaders. Lastly, there are just rulers—true fathers of their countries—who ensure peace and fairness during their reigns. These last two groups are so numerous they don’t need examples.
Among subjects, the most honoured are those trusted with the most important matters, often called the “right hand” of rulers. Then come great military leaders who provide critical service in war. Next are favourites, who bring comfort to their sovereign without harming the people. Finally, there are skilled administrators who handle significant responsibilities with competence.
There’s also a rare kind of honour reserved for those who risk or sacrifice their lives for their country’s good, like M. Regulus and the two Decii.
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