In 1799, Napoleon seized power from the French Directory, a five-member governing body, through a coup d’état known as the Coup of 18 Brumaire. Following this, Napoleon made himself Emperor Napoleon I, in 1804. Legend has it that during his coronation, he took the crown from Pope Pius VII and crowned himself, demonstrating his rejection of any authority other than his own.
Napoleon didn’t understand the difference between honor and privilege.
HONOR:
Noun:
- Faithfulness to high moral standards.
- An asset that brings praise or renown.
- Public acknowledgment or admiration for an achievement.
- Something given in recognition of achievement.
- Something granted as a special favor.
Verb:
- To show appreciation, respect, or affection for (someone) with a public celebration.
Noun:
- Respect that is given to someone who is admired.
- Good reputation; good quality or character as judged by other people.
- High moral standards of behavior.
- A special opportunity to do something that makes you proud.
- Something (such as a title or medal) that is given to a person as a sign of respect and admiration.
- An admired person who is a source of pride and respect for the other members of a group, organization, etc.
Verb:
- To regard or treat (someone) with respect and admiration.
- To show admiration for (someone or something) in a public way.
- To do what is required by (something, such as a promise or a contract).
- To accept (something) as payment.
- To repay (a debt).
PRIVILEGE
Noun:
- A right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor; especially: such a right or immunity attached specifically to a position or office.
Verb:
- To grant a privilege to.
- To accord a higher value or superior position to.
Noun:
- A benefit, immunity, etc., granted under certain conditions.
- The advantages and immunities enjoyed by a small usually powerful group or class, especially to the disadvantage of others.
- Any of the fundamental rights guaranteed to the citizens of a country by its constitution.
- The right of a lawyer to refuse to divulge information obtained in confidence from a client.
- The rights and immunities enjoyed by members of most legislative bodies, such as freedom of speech, freedom from arrest in civil cases during a session, etc.
Verb:
- To grant a privilege to.
- To exempt (usually followed by “from”).
- To authorize or license (something otherwise forbidden).
We see that too many of us claim honor for ourselves. An honor comes from the respect of our character by others.
Proverbs 27:2 ESV says:
“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.”
Let’s try to be more precise in our language. Test yourself with these sentences:
- It is a great (honor/privilege) to address this assembly.
- It is a great (honor/privilege) to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. It gives me the (honor/ privilege) to extend the application of my research to other nations.
- I will let you have the (honor/privilege) of speaking first at the event.
- The ability to travel the world is an (honor/privilege).
- It was an absolute (honor/privilege) to be with you all today.
- The gold medal is the highest (honor/privilege) you may receive at the Olympics.
DEAR READERS
Send your nomination of words that confuse policy to paulstam@stamlawfirm.com. This is the sixth installment in a series. Parts I, II, III, IV, and V explore corruption, liberal/conservative/ progressive, legalize/decriminalize, nonprofit, bipartisan, democracy/republic, forgive, mandate, fascism, Marxist, traitor, treason, gaming, gambling, amnesty, politically motivated, fraction of, and decimate. For more information, see Parts I – V under Articles for 2025, www.paulstam.info.
