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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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