How to Live the Chivalric Code

Contrary to popular belief, chivalry is not dead: it's merely in hiding. I've been fortunate enough to meet a handful of people (women as well as men) who truly live a chivalric life and others who strive toward one. The ideal of chivalry is what drives many to seek out a Medieval recreation group, others come to appreciate the mind-set as a progression of historical research and still more are inspired by the example of others. If you value courtesy, honor, and generosity of spirit you may be a modern-day knight, shining armor optional. It is difficult to pin down a single list of virtues that qualified someone for knighthood in the Medieval age as most are more literary than law. Nonetheless, common elements abound and presented here are the top seven: known collectively as the Seven Knightly Virtues. Reading over these character traits, you may find that you practice many of them already. Perhaps to truly wear the mantle of the neo-knight it will not take a dramatic change of personality, merely a turning of the dial.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Courage--Be brave. Whether battling metaphorical dragons or standing up for your beliefs, courage in the face of any adversity is an admirable quality. Courage is not restricted to feats of strength in battle but extends even to being persistent in personal pursuits.
2. Justice--Play fair. Being just is not to be left to the lawyers and judges, but can be shown in everything from fair dealing in games and business to practicing self-restraint and moderation in your daily life. Live by the laws of your country, state and city but be willing to take the right steps to change things for the better if an injustice has occurred.
3. Mercy--Show compassion. Sometimes this means forgiving a small misstep in your own life or someone else's. Mercy is one of those divine elements that we don't necessarily earn or deserve but are granted out of the goodwill of another. If there is a time in your life when you can show that goodwill to someone else, you might be one step closer to leading a chivalrous life.
4. Generosity--Give freely. Not all gifts are monetary while some are absolutely priceless. Extending a smile to a stranger could have a profound effect on his day. At the same time, kind words won't help someone who is in physical distress so always consider the gift in light of the need. Another facet of generosity, this time of spirit, is the lack of pettiness or small-mindedness. Charity begins at home so remember to extend some of that generosity to yourself as well.
5. Faith--Keep promises. The Medieval knight pledged allegiance not only to his feudal lord but to his heavenly one, as well. In these days of religious freedom, a personal belief system is just that: personal. But having faith in something or someone is invaluable to chivalry, itself a belief system practiced completely without physical proof.
6. Nobility--Pursue excellence. In a monarchy one is born or marries into nobility, occasionally it can be granted, but this is not the only way to be noble. Striving for dignity, honor and excellence of mind is the nobility of the modern age and is a pursuit that is more personal than public. Practicing discretion in all things is not only the better part of valor but the better part of nobility.
7. Hope--Look ahead. Without hope we might never get out of bed, never try for a promotion or never talk to that cute girl in the coffee shop. Hope emboldens us to persevere in the face of adversity, have faith in our fellow humans, and better ourselves whenever possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Drastic changes seldom stick. You can choose one virtue to improve at a time or just stay on the look out for opportunities to exercise these virtues--plenty will present themselves.