Honorary refers to an honorary award or title given to someone in recognition of their significant contributions to a particular field or society. Such recognition is mostly given to individuals who have excelled in their respective fields, demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, contributed to charity work or made an outstanding contribution to their community, to name a few examples. This article will delve deeper into honorary awards and titles, including their significance, types, how to receive them, and broader societal implications.
Significance of Honorary Awards and TitlesHonorary awards and titles are significant in many ways. They usually serve as a form of recognition for one's outstanding achievements or contributions to particular fields, or society in general. This recognition comes with benefits such as increased status, recognition, and often serves as a motivation for the recipient to excel further. Also, it is a gesture of gratitude by society that appreciates the individual's efforts in their contributions to society. Such honorary awards and titles also help to inspire future generations and motivate them to follow in the same footsteps, resulting in increased innovations in various sectors.
Types of Honorary Awards and TitlesThere are different types of honorary awards and titles given across the various fields of endeavor. Some common honorary awards include:
Honorary degrees: This is a degree awarded by a university or college to someone who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to society, academia, or their profession. Honorary degrees may take various forms, including Doctor of Letters, Doctor of Laws, or Doctor of Science, among others.
Honorary citizenship: This is an honor bestowed upon non-citizens or foreigners for their outstanding contributions to society or for their role in society. It may come with specific rights usually granted to citizens, such as voting or access to public services.
Honorary titles: These are titles bestowed to individuals to recognize their outstanding contributions to the society or state. Such titles may include Order of Australia, Order of Canada, Order of the British Empire, or Order of Merit, among others.
Honorary memberships: This is a membership bestowed upon non-members of an organization or association in recognition of their contributions to the organization, the industry, or society in general.
How to Receive Honorary Awards and TitlesReceiving an honorary award or title is usually a great feat deserving of celebration. However, being selected for an honorary award or title requires one to have demonstrated high levels of excellence in their field of endeavor. For most awards, nominations are made based on the nominee's achievements or contributions to society. In other cases, the recipient has usually been selected by members of professional associations, colleges, universities, or government bodies. Nevertheless, individuals can apply for some honorary awards, though this is usually rare. One of the most common paths to receiving an honorary award or title is by nomination from peers, colleagues, or industry experts.
Implications in SocietyHonorary awards and titles are a reflection of the society's values. They illustrate what the society holds significant and what ideals they aspire to. Such recognition fosters a positive environment where individuals and their contributions to the society are appreciated and celebrated. Honorary awards and titles also provide a platform to showcase societal achievements and serve as a reminder of the individuals or groups that have played a significant role in shaping society. These awards and titles, in turn, highlight societal expectations and the need for excellence in various fields, leading to substantial innovations and growth in various sectors.
ConclusionHonorary awards and titles are a great recognition of one's achievements and contributions to society. Such recognition motivates individuals to strive for excellence and inspires future generations to do the same. They also give a form of prestige to individuals and showcase society's values, achievements, and aspirations. Given the significant contribution of these awards and titles to society, they should be encouraged in different sectors to reward outstanding performances and inspire innovation.