Legal Definitions - honeste vivere

Honeste Vivere is a Latin phrase from ancient Roman law, meaning "to live honorably." It represents a fundamental principle emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct, integrity, and uprightness in one's personal and public life. This concept was considered a cornerstone of a just society, guiding individuals to act with virtue and respect for moral standards.

Here are some examples illustrating the principle of Honeste Vivere:

• Professional Integrity: Imagine a financial advisor who discovers a new investment product that offers a higher commission for them but is not the best fit for their client's long-term financial goals. Adhering to honeste vivere, the advisor recommends a less profitable but more suitable option for the client, prioritizing the client's best interest over personal gain.

  Explanation: This demonstrates honeste vivere because the advisor acts with honesty, integrity, and a strong moral compass in their professional duties, putting the client's welfare above their own financial benefit.

• Civic Responsibility: Consider a homeowner who notices that their property line extends slightly onto a piece of public land, which could allow them to expand their garden. Instead of quietly annexing the land, they consult with local authorities to understand the correct boundaries and ensure they are not encroaching on public property, even if it means a smaller garden.

  Explanation: This illustrates honeste vivere by showing an individual choosing to act with honesty and respect for community resources and legal boundaries, rather than taking advantage of a situation for personal benefit.

• Business Ethics: A small business owner discovers that a batch of raw materials they received was accidentally over-delivered by their supplier, meaning they received more than they paid for. Instead of keeping the extra materials, the owner promptly contacts the supplier to inform them of the error and arrange for the return or proper payment for the surplus.

  Explanation: This reflects honeste vivere as the business owner prioritizes fairness, honesty, and ethical conduct in their commercial dealings, demonstrating honorable behavior even when it might be easier to remain silent.