The Nine Tenets of the Code of Chivalry
Valor in adversity . . . Truth in speech . . . Loyalty in service . . .
Humilty in bearing . . . Charity in compassion . . . Prowess in action. . .
Defense in need . . . Justice in judgement . . . Honor above all.
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Valor in adversity...
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Valor is not the lack of fear, for no one lives without fear. Rather, valor is the measure of one's ability to deal with fear. A Knight faces his fear, and does what must be done in spite of it. He does not surrender to fear or despair, and never gives up when his cause is just, even though it may seem hopeless.
A good explanation of the meaning of Valor is found in the song "To Dream the Impossible Dream" from the musical "Man of La Mancha":
"To dream the impossible dream, to fight the unbeatable foe,
to bear with unbearable sorrow, to run where the brave dare not go,
To right the unrightable wrong, to love pure and chaste from afar,
to try when your arms are too weary, to reach the unreachable star,
Oh, this is my quest, to follow that star, no matter how hopeless, no matter how far,
To fight for the right, without question or pause, to be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause!
And I know if I'll only be true, to this glorious quest,
that my heart will lie peaceful and calm, when I'm laid to my rest.
And the world will be better for this, that one man, scorned and covered with scars,
Still strove with his last ounce of courage, to reach the unreachable stars!"
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Truth in speech...
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To lie is usually an act of cowardice, an admission that one is not willing to face the consequences of one�s actions. A Knight should therefore seek the truth whenever possible, and should strive to keep the oaths he chooses to swear. When a Knight gives his word, it is not an empty promise; he will strive with all of his strength and will to keep it.
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Loyalty in service...
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A Knight remains loyal to the people and the precepts which he has sworn to uphold, ever honoring and defending them, and never forsaking them while there is life left in him. He recognizes and accepts his duty to his family and friends, to his community, to his nation, and to the ideas and Deities that he serves.
An excellent explanation of the meaning of Loyalty can be found in Robert Heinlein's essay,
"The Pragmatics of Patriotism."
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Humility in bearing...
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A Knight conducts himself with quiet confidence, never boasting, but letting his deeds speak for themselves. He does not seek self-aggrandizement or personal glory, but acts for the good of the community as a whole.
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Charity in compassion...
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A Knight is generous so far as his resources and means allow, giving selflessly so that the community might prosper. To be a Knight is to be given a power, and with all power comes a responsibility to others.
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Prowess in action...
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A Knight should strive for excellence in all endeavors, physical, mental and spiritual. He should dedicate himself fully to the tasks he chooses, and seek always to improve himself.
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Defense in need...
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A Knight is sworn to defend those who depend on him - his family, his loved ones, his community, and his nation. He also defends the precepts by which he lives, as well as those who cannot defend themselves.
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Justice in judgement...
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A Knight should serve the cause of justice, taking responsibility for his own actions and, as far as he is able, seeing that others do the same. He must remember, however, that the sword of justice must always be tempered by mercy. As Gandhi said, �An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.�
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Honor above all.
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The most important quality of a Knight is honor, for honor is the basis for all of the virtues of chivalry. Honor, in essence, means that a Knight holds to the precepts by which he lives, realizing that though the ideals cannot be reached, striving towards them ennobles the spirit and makes the world a better place for all. A Knight is one who finds the best in himself by putting his life into service of the ideals and the people that he loves.
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