Truth and Valor

December 22, 2015

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As Christmas approaches and we reflect upon what this Holiday Season means to us, these two words stand out for me: Truth and Valor.  The meaning of Truth is self-evident; to be honest in dealings with others is essential for building a foundation of trust and, upon that, a lasting relationship. This holds true in our dealings with family, friends, coworkers, clients and even total strangers. If you stay true to yourself, the rest comes naturally; this is the first and most important value.

What about Valor, however?  For many, this “old” word may conjure up ideas of medieval courage in battle. But when we study the origins of Valor, the meaning becomes wider and deeper:


Word Origin and History for Valor:
n.
c.1300, “value, worth,” from Old French valour “strength, value, valor,” from Late Latin valorem (nominative valor) “value, worth,” from stem of Latin valere “be worth, be strong” (see valiant). The meaning “courage” is first recorded 1580s, from Italian valore, from the same Late Latin w

​Quite literally, the concepts of Value and Worth are embedded in this word. Those elements came first, Courage later.  These words have deep meaning for the work we do each day. Do we create value and worth?  And do we stay courageous to achieving the intended result when the going is difficult?

Others may not always appreciate the worth of our work at the time, or value it as highly as we think they should. But if we hold fast to its true purpose, that recognition will come.

Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with Truth and Valor!

2 Comments

  • Paul Newman

    9 years ago

    Merry Christmas to you and your family.

  • John Spence

    9 years ago

    What a wonderful post, and especially meaningful to me. Bill, I have very much enjoyed reading your blog this past year and look forward to more of your wisdom and ideas in 2016. My very best to you and everyone at Yellowstone. Take good care my friend – John

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