[DFT] Fw: [ChivalryToday] Charny and Chivalry Today

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Charny's Chivalry in the 21st Century
By Scott Farrell
©2003 Shining Armor Enterprises
www.ChivalryToday.com

One of the common misconceptions about the Code of Chivalry is that it
isn't "practical" - that is to say, it's based not on realistic
attitudes and behaviors, but on extreme and absurd idealism. In other
words, a lot of people wrongly believe that chivalry can't be applied
to everyday situations.

For the real-life medieval knights who practiced and wrote about
chivalry, however, it wasn't an absurd extreme. One of the authors who
articulates this is Geoffroi de Charny, who wrote "The Book of
Chivalry" in the mid-14th century. Charny was both a seasoned warrior
and a respected civic administrator, and he knew both the good and the
bad sides of human nature. In his book (which might be considered a
self-help manual for the knightly class) Charny examines the tenets of
chivalry fully aware that people can be both self-serving and noble.

Although portions of Charny's writings are specific to his era, much of
his work is just as applicable in the modern world as it was 650 years
ago. With only a few minor changes, Charny's meditations on the Code of
Chivalry become relevant in business, sports, school and a variety of
modern pursuits.

Here, then, are some excerpts from "The Book of Chivalry" that
illustrate Charny's thoughts on putting chivalry to use in everyday
life:

There are those people who pursue success and profit through means that
are dishonest and disordered. Such people create conflict without good
reason, knowing that by doing so they can rob, steal and cause grief
and harm, all of which bring them unearned rewards. Those who behave in
this manner are cowards and traitors, and are lacking the courage to
honestly face challenge and risk failure. Even more contemptible are
people who say that they themselves would never engage in evil works,
but harbor those who commit ill deeds, for it is said that that someone
does mischief enough who helps mischief.

But if you would follow the Code of Chivalry you should be humble among
your friends, proud and bold against your competitors, tender and
merciful toward those who need assistance, a cruel avenger against the
unjust, pleasant and amiable with all others. And above all refrain
from enriching yourself at others' expense, especially those with
limited resources, for unsullied poverty is more admirable than corrupt
wealth, and many poor persons command greater respect than rich people
who lack principles.

Do not be guileless, for a person who knows nothing, neither of good
nor of evil, is blind and unseeing in the heart, and cannot be relied
upon for good counsel, for when one blind person tries to lead another,
the first will fall into the ditch and drag the second in after.

There is no one who can or should refuse to perform to the best of his
or her abilities, and this is true in the fields of physical
competition, spiritual and academic pursuit, and commercial endeavors
alike. It therefore behooves each person to engage in the appropriate
affairs and undertakings, for those who commit themselves fully to
their enterprises deserve praise, and will attain high honor.

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WHAT'S NEW?
Fans of knights in shining armor, take note: The movie "Timeline,"
based on Michael Crichton's novel of time-travel to the 14th century,
opens on November 26th. Come to the Chivalry Today website now to enjoy
a short video on the making of "Timeline," courtesy of Paramount
Pictures and GO Marketing.

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Readers are permitted and encouraged to share this article with others
as a way of furthering the understanding of the Code of Chivalry in the
modern world. Scott Farrell's seminars on chivalry and the knightly
virtues are available to businesses, schools and civic organizations
throughout the Southern California area; more information can be found
on our website. Please include all copyright statements and
attributions when forwarding Chivalry Today articles. Copyright 2003
Scott Farrell and Shining Armor Enterprises. Visit our website at
www.ChivalryToday.com .