Filotimo (or Philotimo) is best understood as ones responsibility to himself as a human being to always act in accordance with righteousness and
honor. Even if ones wealth, safety, freedom, or
even life is at peril,
one that lives by this virtue will always choose to do the right and honorable regardless of consequence. The idea of filotimo goes beyond the idea that
one needs no motive to act in good faith and for a good cause, and suggests that for a sentient being, right and honorable actions should be the only acceptable behavior. It therefore requires a universal (or at least well-established) sense of morality, and a "golden standard" of behavior, which must be reached by all means possible, and by any sacrifice necessary. This term unique to the Greek language
may apply to individuals, groups, or even Greek
society as a whole, and
may refer to any kind of action or behavior. Filotimo is often seen as the "prime vitrue". It comes from the words φίλος = friend and τιμή =
honor.
