Red.....and others, Let me first say, that I recognize what your goals are with this. I recognize the higher purpose that hopes for a better world through the institution of a mutually acceptable code of conduct. And on another day, the side of me that agrees with that may stand with you on that belief. Today.....I have problems with it. (Damn Gemini's!) So none of the following should be considered personal....And all of it should be considered My Opinion and respectfully submitted.

Today the "thou" statement I would add, is thou shall not presume to tell me how to act or believe. The "Knightly Code of Chivalry" defined at some later point by romantic feeling monks and written within the framework of Christian morals (if there is such a thing) generally only applied to one of the same social standing or higher. Any surface study of history would expose that, and certainly a deeper study of history would show the hypocrisy of the Code. Most of these codes have a underlying purpose, and that was to help the particular leader/lord create a stronger village/kingdom, through riches taken from those who were declared by the whim of the day to be representatives of "injustice and evil"

The soldierly codes written here are in existence for specific purposes too. They help to build the strength of will to face a certain death, which normally a human tries to avoid. They use emotional statements to help create the adrenaline rush needed to ignore the inherent unsafe condition that soldier finds himself in because some politician wants to exercise power. They build a emotional responsibility to those around you to hopefully help keep you alive. They help you do your job by making you think of those few people who actually care.

The Wiccan statements, are closer to how I feel, but not quite since Wicca is much closer to duality based religions, Jewish, Christian, Islam, etc. than I would ever consider. The Wiccan statements listed here are well known and are less related to this topic than the attemp to sell the belief as acceptable to those who consider it less than. Wiccans, like Christians, and more than likely like many on this board, feel comfortable with the concept of good and evil. I do Not. Good and Evil are relative to personal and societal beliefs. The tenets of all these duality religions can always be negated, therefore they are all hypocritical. A very simple example; All these religions have something to the effect of "Thou shall not kill", yes even Wicca. Yet every one of these religions will set that aside for any number of reasons and justify it by just as many reasons. The codes of chivalry, are exactly the same, the situation one finds oneself in determines which of these codes can reasonably be followed and which can't. The simple Pagan beliefs of antiquity, were the most logical and realistic. Simply that humans in the course of life, have many emotions or needs which they may feel the need for help with. In that, If I need to create a child, I pray to a god/goddess of fertility, If I need to eat, I pray to a god/goddess that helps my crops/livestock. If I need to defend myself, family, loved ones or friends, I pray to a god/goddess of war. I, like the pagan ancestors of mine, know that any and every behavior may be called for from time to time, and I pray that my decision on how to act will be the right one, the right one being the behaivor that results in life and peace. So I do not believe in universal good or evil.

Thus, I believe these codes of behavior are very strictly defined and best followed by the smallest of communities, that circle of friends that each of us gather and share with over the course of a lifetime. I may have another set of conduct codes for interfacing with people outside that group but it is only for communication purposes. I do not assume they will follow my codes, nor should they assume I follow yours. It is always yet to be seen, whether we will find ourselves mutually compatible over a long term. The more our behaviors are aligned, the more comfortable we are with each other. That has always been the way.

 

 

 

 

I, personally feel, that many confused warrior with soldiers, but I will say nothing more of this.

 

I follow the Codes of the Fianna and the Warriors of the Red Branch. My morning prayer "I shall serve with truth on my tongue, clarity in my heart, and strength in my arms".

 

The Codes of Chivalry, in its purest form, are also a very honourable code to follow:

 

Prowess: To seek excellence in all endeavors expected of a knight, martial and otherwise, seeking strength to be used in the service of justice, rather than in personal aggrandizement.

Justice: Seek always the path of 'right', unencumbered by bias or personal interest. Recognize that the sword of justice can be a terrible thing, so it must be tempered by humanity and mercy. If the 'right' you see rings agrees with others, and you seek it out without bending to the temptation for expediency, then you will earn renown beyond measure.

Loyalty: Be known for unwavering commitment to the people and ideals you choose to live by. There are many places where compromise is expected; loyalty is not amongst them.

Defense: The ideal knight was sworn by oath to defend his liege lord and those who depended upon him. Seek always to defend your nation, your family, and those to whom you believe worthy of loyalty.

Courage: Being a knight often means choosing the more difficult path, the personally expensive one. Be prepared to make personal sacrifices in service of the precepts and people you value. At the same time, a knight should seek wisdom to see that stupidity and courage are cousins. Courage also means taking the side of truth in all matters, rather than seeking the expedient lie. Seek the truth whenever possible, but remember to temper justice with mercy, or the pure truth can bring grief.

Faith: A knight must have faith in his beliefs, for faith roots him and gives hope against the despair that human failings create.

Humility: Value first the contributions of others; do not boast of your own accomplishments, let others do this for you. Tell the deeds of others before your own, according them the renown rightfully earned through virtuous deeds. In this way the office of knighthood is well done and glorified, helping not only the gentle spoken of but also all who call themselves knights.

Largesse: Be generous in so far as your resources allow; largesse used in this way counters gluttony. It also makes the path of mercy easier to discern when a difficult decision of justice is required.

Nobility: Seek great stature of character by holding to the virtues and duties of a knight, realizing that though the ideals cannot be reached, the quality of striving towards them ennobles the spirit, growing the character from dust towards the heavens. Nobility also has the tendency to influence others, offering a compelling example of what can be done in the service of rightness.

Franchise: Seek to emulate everything I have spoken of as sincerely as possible, not for the reason of personal gain but because it is right. Do not restrict your exploration to a small world, but seek to infuse every aspect of your life with these qualities. Should you succeed in even a tiny measure then you will be well remembered for your quality and virtue.

These were rewritten by Brian R. Price. They are similar to the old ones, but written with a modern perspective.

Tadrith

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Imo a noble warrior fights for a spiritual vision. That vision can be a philosophy, patriotism, the defense of his or her home, family, etc. The warrior sees a plan for his/her struggle and an end result that they desire to earn from their fight.

     Once the conflict is at an end the warrior cleans, sharpens, and oils the sword and puts it away (but not too far away) and still worships that spiritual vision he or she fought for in both victory and defeat.

      The warrior's struggle represents a personal sacrifice used to consecrate that sacred vision they guard in the temple of their soul.

 

                                                                            -BB, Badger

I follow whole heartedly no written set of honorable codes of conducts or beliefs although I have tried unsuccessfully to do so in the past. I just follow my instincts and my consciousness, luckily I have a great heart. Not everyone has much of a heart and codes of conduct and honor does help them keep from becoming too much of a nuisance to their fellow beings, sometimes it makes them worse by giving them a false sense of superiority over those who have trouble following their codes. This is the way I seek to grow and become more spiritually in tune with my higher potential being. There is what is best for my survival and happiness in this mundane and pathetic world; and there is what I could be when I abandon the pursuit of happiness and survival in this mundane and pathetic world by recognising the reality of a higher world and being. I believe that by raising my being to what it could be in a better reality even though it isn't practicle, safe, or likely to bring me happiness in this world I will elevate myself to a higher world when this shallow and blind world consumes me for it. If I fail to do this I will likely eventually be born back into a similar miserable existance or worse because my soul has failed to evolve and recognise another. Our souls evolve and de-evolve through endless potential realities, so even though we may not evolve much in this one or others we may evolve or de-evolve more on down the infinite roads somewhere. The only problem with this is that the condition of our consciousness and soul at the very moment we are consumed by this consuming reality is what will determine our future reborn and realised self. Therefore whenever the opertunity arrises to be consumed by this world at our highest percievable state of being for ourselves, when we feel at our strongest for achieving our next preferred state of being and existance it is profitable to step into the purifying flames with no fear and with the expectation and knowledge of our ascendancy to a higher reality because of our higher state of being on our exit of this miserable and flawed reality. 

I have been following this thread closely.Iv'e debated the subject of honor ,and ethics on other boards.The problem with ethical rules for me is the fact that one mans ethics might not apply to another's.An example of this, is the christian infiltrating of native cultures.The christians think their doing a good thing by going into native cultures,bringing their message of Jesus.They bring medicine, food ,and their own code of ethics,thereby destroying a whole cultures way of life.They justify it by saying the natives are ignorant savages and its their job to bring the word of god to these poor people.Whole populations of indigenous people have been wiped out by their code of ethics,and sense of honor.All through history, there are numerous examples of one mans belief systems(knowing their way is the right way)gives them the right to impose there codes,their values on another.I think culture and the way we are raised by our elders determines our value systems.What works for one might not work for another.It's all subjective. What ethics I have only apply to my immediate family.My honesty,loyalty,and protection are only 100% given to them. The rest of the human race just takes a chance when entering my world.I base my reaction to them, based on their interaction with me. There are no set rules of conduct.I also believe in Karma. I think this a perfect world.Everything happens for a reason.It's that cosmic dance thing with me.I can't make sense of everything.I dont need to.I just know its perfect the way it is.Therefore I react to things as they happen,not by rules,ethics or honor. Intuition suits me better,tho even that Im sure is determined somewhat by my cultural ,and family upbringing. I mean no offense to anyone with this post.It is strictly opinion on my part.Iv'e enjoyed reading the different post from those who have responded.

 

 

Ethics (Greek ethika, from ethos, “character,�?“custom�?, principles or standards of human conduct, sometimes called morals (Latin mores, “customs�?, and, by extension, the study of such principles, sometimes called moral philosophy. This article is concerned with ethics chiefly in the latter sense and is confined to that of Western civilization, although every culture has developed an ethic of its own.

 

Ethics, as a branch of philosophy, is considered a normative science, because it is concerned with norms of human conduct, as distinguished from the formal sciences, such as mathematics and logic, and the empirical sciences, such as chemistry and physics. The empirical social sciences, however, including psychology, impinge to some extent on the concerns of ethics in that they study social behavior. For example, the social sciences frequently attempt to determine the relation of particular ethical principles to social behavior and to investigate the cultural conditions that contribute to the formation of such principles.

 

 Ethical Principles
Philosophers have attempted to determine goodness in conduct according to two chief principles, and have considered certain types of conduct either good in themselves or good because they conform to a particular moral standard. The former implies a final value, or summum bonum, which is desirable in itself and not merely as a means to an end. In the history of ethics there are three principal standards of conduct, each of which has been proposed as the highest good: happiness or pleasure; duty, virtue, or obligation; and perfection, the fullest harmonious development of human potential.

 

Depending on the social setting, the authority invoked for good conduct is the will of a deity, the pattern of nature, or the rule of reason. When the will of a deity is the authority, obedience to the divine commandments in scriptural texts is the accepted standard of conduct. If the pattern of nature is the authority, conformity to the qualities attributed to human nature is the standard. When reason rules, behavior is expected to result from rational thought.

 
hon·or [ ónn?r ]
 
noun  (plural hon·ors)
 
1. personal integrity: strong moral character or strength, and adherence to ethical principles
It’s a matter of honor.

 
2. respect: great respect and admiration

 
3. dignity or distinction: personal dignity that sometimes leads to recognition and glory
Although defeated, he accepted the loss with honor

 
4. reputation: somebody’s good name or good reputation
My honor is at stake.

 
5. woman’s reputation: a woman’s virginity or reputation for chastity ( dated )

 
6. source of pride: somebody or something that brings respect or glory and is a source of pride to somebody or something else
Your achievements are an honor to your parents and school.

 
7. mark of distinction: something such as a gift, award, or gesture that signifies high achievement or respect

 
8. great privilege: a special privilege that is cherished, for example, an opportunity to be introduced to somebody admired or respected or an opportunity to serve a worthy cause
It is indeed an honor to have you here today.

 
9. men’s code of integrity: a code of integrity in some societies, for example, in feudal Europe and medieval Japan, that men upheld by force of arms

 
10. dignity of high position: a certain high degree of dignity with which high positions, for example, the Presidency, are regarded by those elected to them and by the people they serve
actions detrimental to the honor of his office

So having heard from most, including my Mr. Hyde personna, I do want to tie and specifically define what I feel are my main personal ethics. Undoubtably, there are occurrances that we all would feel driven to intercede with. Unfortunately, it is the rest that exposes the differences. Whether this shows that the human race has not evolved to Utopian thought, or that humans define Utopia differently is yet to be decided.  My family line has been traced as far back as Norman Saxon. Before that, it gets very hard to trace. From the origional three animal cults of martial arts of the northern warrior, (bear, wolf, boar) when warrior meant basically men or women who were capable of fighting when called to, I have always identified with the wolf cult, Ulfheonar, who entered combat singly as guerrilla fighters.

 

Before Christianity took the codes of the warrior, which had been basically originated in hunting magic, before the false emotion of humility had been forced upon man to seperate him from his gods, there were but 2 basic defined codes. These are the codes I respect.

1. Exercise self-reliance.

2. Die selflessly for family and comrades.

 

Anything else is subject to discussion, education and persuasion.