Sunday, September 17, 2017

Study on the Book of Chivalry - 5

We continue further into our study of 'The Book of Chivalry" by Sir Geoffrey de Charney.

In this section, we will touch on the author's take on the valiant influence of a Valiant Lord and how does this relate to the modern warrior.

The author Sir Geoffrey explains how a Valiant Lord's influence has a positive effect in the following passages:

Thus you can see that one hundred men skilled in deeds of arms make themselves a name all the sooner through one great and worthy lord than would ten by two poor men of great worth...

for the great lord has them in his company and loves, honors, and values them and rewards them, and they respect him, love, honor and esteem him for the great valor they see in him in addition to the love, honor, reward that he has bestowed on them.

Nor are the valiant poor men as much respected and obeyed in time of action as are the great lords; but this does not mean that the good reputation does not belong to and remain with those who have earned it, whether rich or poor, and he who does most, the more lasting benefit there benefits there remains for him and the more worthy he is. 

The influence of those in command or who take upon the mantle of leader have the ability to influence his followers positively or negatively.  The warrior must be a leader who is aware of his/her ability to influence people to greatness or great deeds of heroism. The warrior is one who uses his position of leadership to the benefit and betterment of his/her followers and by people.


Yet the debate if not the argument is this: power corrupts, so being a leader is a gateway to becoming a tyrant or a wicked individual.  The answer to this argument is this: The warrior that is a leader is an individual who does not allow the temptation of power for self to get to his/her head.  Rather the Warrior Leader is one who uses his/her position to the advancement of heroism and the betterment of all people.  Vision ad Purpose guides the Warrior Leader in his/her thoughts and actions.

People in general always look towards action rather than a charismatic speech.  If this is true in our times, how much more true it is in regards to Warriorhood in our times.  The Warrior is an individual of action guided by Vision, Purpose and the Noble Cause.

The Warrior Leader exhibits the virtue of Humility and credits his/her followers for their actions or participation in a heroic deed.  The credit is shared to the group, and not allotted to the Leader.  While today's society gives praise to the single individual for a heroic deed, the Warrior Leader credits his/her followers along with himself.

Therefore Brave Knight, be humble and guided by Vision, Noble Cause and Purpose when you take upon yourself the mantle of a Leader.  Your followers look up to you, therefore be the example.

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