There are some Greek words that are easy to translate. Then there is φιλότιμο (filotimo) — a word that seems simple at first, but becomes much harder to explain the more you think about it. Often translated as “love of honour”, filotimo combines ideas of dignity, generosity, responsibility, pride, respect and doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching. The Dictionary of Standard Modern Greek describes it both as a strong sensitivity towards personal honour and dignity, and as willingness and conscientiousness in carrying out a duty or task. But for Greeks, filotimo is rarely something that...