There are relevant similarities and differences with these two quotes. The similarities relate to our relationships with our inner selves. Both the honor contemplated by Akhenaton and the thoughts referenced by Descartes come completely from within our own consciousness. That is to say, thinking and defining our core values are both the result of conscious acts (they are not instinctive like breathing or subconscious like dreaming) and they are both innately personal to us. Thus both quotes attempt to join our conscious selves with our innate, inner selves.
The difference between the two involves the motivation behind each quote. Descartes' quote seeks to justify man's individual existence. According to Descartes, without our thoughts, and the consequential proof that we exist, how we can believe in ourselves? Of even more import, without our thoughts to prove what are senses are perceiving, Descartes wondered how one could prove the existence of God. Akhenaton was not looking to prove that man (or God) existed. Rather, he was wanted to articulate how one measure's their basic inner worth. In spite of all factors of wealth, freedom and status, how much are you worth to you? The conviction to one's beliefs belies the answer.
The Akhenaton quote assumes that the individual has been introspective. He does not ask that we define honor, he has done for this us. Akhenaton demands that each person identify within themselves what values and beliefs they cherish most, how these beliefs are manifested in the physical world and then to defend these beliefs with all the vigor and determination they can muster. This sentiment is reinforced by a separate Akhenaton quote: "Be thou...
Establish unto thyself principles of action; and see that thou ever act according to them. First know that thy principles are just, and then be thou" (Famous Egyptian King Quotations). It is clear from this additional quote that Akhenaton mantra is set forth in the Honor quote.
Akhenaton's quote speaks to inner conviction of a Pharaoh whose reign was quite maligned but still successful. While facing battles to the North, infighting among his governors and vassals and his own poor health, Akhenaton ruled Egypt until his death while instituting a brand new religion, feats that offer Machiavellian proof of his fortitude and convictions (Moran 248-249). Overall, the quote is inspirational and motivational. Furthermore, it requires that a person the honesty to identify one's core values and beliefs and courage to stand by them. In fact, even without this quote or the above analysis, many people would likely agree that honor can reasonably be said to reside at the intersection of honesty and courage.
Works Cited List
Freud, Sigmund. The Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud, Volume XXIII (1937-1939). "Moses and monotheism." London: Hogarth Press, 1964. Print.
Montserrat, Dominic. Akhenaten: History, Fantasy and ancient Egypt. Routledge, 2000. Print.
Moran, William L. The Amarna Letters. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1992.
Print. pp230-260.
Thinkexist.com. "Famous Egyptian men king quotes." Quotations. 1999.
http://thinkexist.com/quotes/top/nationality/egyptian/gender/men/occupation/king
