That mythical inner self

"... being true to that mythical inner self in spite of all external pressures to overrule or negate it came to seem the essence of both courage and honor. And defying more traditional notions of courage and honor in order to be true to these inward imperatives came to seem a proof that this new honor was deserved, as well as a mark of special authenticity." (Honor: A History, James Bowman, 2006; page 206).