gytrans (asker) Feb 24, 2010:

Thanks for the info Alexander. It's good to know that this book is hard to read for Russians too!

Alexander Gryshchuk Feb 24, 2010:

Now, I read the entire passage from the Internet. From a Russian speaker's point of view, it's not immediately clear what the author means. However, now I'm convinced it has to do with "honour," rather than with "honesty." The root of the word is "honour," actually. I think in this sense it is synonymous to the Ukrainian "почесно" which means "solemnly," "honourably." There may be a similar-sounding word in Belorussian, which is another Slavic language probably spoken by the author (he's from Belarus). So, this may also mean that the guy passed by the casino "solemnly," with his head upward, pacing almost like a soldier, maybe tauntingly.

There's nothing in the passage that would suggest anything that has to do with "honesty," "obligations" or "temptations" that he resisted. Just a curious use of the word which lost some of its meanings in Russian, but preserved them in Ukrainian and Belorussian.

Generally, the chapter is difficult to read because of its style. I'd get tired after reading a few pages.

gytrans (asker) Feb 23, 2010:

Here is some information regarding the book http://www.facebook.com/l/7cb9c;www.opendemocracy.net/natali...

gytrans (asker) Feb 23, 2010:

Hi there,

Thanks for all the different meanings of честно here. I am finding it hard to decide on the best one! For more context it is from the book 'Paranoia' by Victor Martinovich which you can get online - it's not far into the first few pages of часть первая. From what you have all mentioned here I like 'righteously' but I also think that in the context of the book Alexander could be on the right track with 'with all due respect', any suggestions?

Victor Zagria Feb 22, 2010:

being honest to myself, I passed on casino and took a low bow ... (At least this time) I didn't compromise myself, that is..