Fortune is defined by the author as "things which are destined to come to an end, whether through illness or force of death, for death spares no one, neither high or low, but levels all."
With this understanding, the Warrior thus sees Fortune as an opportunity for positive or a negative change. Yet most people think on purpose or subconsciously that when one becomes materially rich or gains social rising within society that individual must have cheated his/her way to the top via illegal or scandalous means. However, the author De Charney gives a stern point in regards to this saying:
And in relation to this, it could be said that one should not put trust in the benefits of fortune, which are not earned, for fortune is fickle and is destined to come to an end....benefit does not come from fortune: it should last, provided you know how to preserve it honestly, in controlling yourself first, and then others if necessary. For if you are wise, you will only do good and ought not to excuse yourself from being a man of worth and loyal, as it is the greatest and supreme good there is...
The author makes it very clear, that as one takes advantage of an opportunity whether it be in finances, love or job advancement, one should not be left in a place or zone of comfort/ease, rather one should make good of the opportunity while it lasts to make a better consequence when the opportunity passes by.
What does this mean though for the Warrior?
The answer is this:
When a Warrior becomes the beneficiary of fortune, it is the responsibility of the Warrior to make good the opportunity to make an honorable gain or investment. How? By using financial means or using money to make good on things such as charity, aiding family or friends in need, rebuilding one's life or even pursuing the cause of justice.
Yet one will ask why?
In today's times, it is very easy to fall into the illusion of wealth and rising within society at the expense of honor and standing by one's convictions and when one does stand by honor he/she becomes victimized by society as an outcast or vilified by slander. The Warrior recognizes this and sets out to speak by his/her actions the belief and standing on conviction, noble cause, vision, purpose and Honor.
By doing so, the Warrior utilizes money for the purpose of justice and honor which is of great benefit to society rather than enlarging on one's ego. There is no harm in gaining wealth to support one's family or to invest in one's children; these things are good provided that the head of the family leads the family with teaching them vision, noble cause and purpose.
Yet when alone, the Warrior utilizes money to survive in this world maintaining/preserving his/her honor. One must not look at the means rather at the person who uses the means for an agenda.
Brave Warrior, choose wisely and lead with wisdom.
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