“I have been asked what I mean by ‘word of honor.’ I will tell you: Place me behind prison walls-walls of stone ever so high, ever so thick, reaching ever so far into the ground- there is a possibility that one way or another I might be able to escape; but stand me on the floor and draw a line around me and have me give my word of honor never to cross it. Can I get out of that circle? No, never! I’d die first.”  

By: Karl G. MAESER

This is a very long and wordy statement by the professor. To concise what he is trying to say, is that you should keep your word no matter how silly or insignificant it may seem to other people.If you tell someone that you are going to do something then you need to make sure to keep your word no matter how small it may seem. Like his example was comparing a prison and a chalk circle. The difference is the level in which society sees these two. Jail is seen as this system that is highly secure and respected by others. A circle made from chalk is nothing most people will just step on it like a crack in the sidewalk, and that is why he uses that. To show that no matter how insignificant you use your word for it is still important. It is a good way of letting people know that you are a good person and will keep your word regardless of the circumstances. That is what I have interpreted from this statement. I would like to use a parent and a friend. If you tell your mom that you are going to the movies and she lets you go you have to go to the movies. If your friend decides to go to the park then you have to say no because you asked to go to the movies not the park. It may seem little but you gave your word so you have to follow through.