Comments for Chivalry Today

Comment on Chivalry is Dead? by Led 1950

Led 1950 — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 22:53:53 +0000

Like many you confuse common courtesy with chivalry. Common courtesy should always have it’s place in society but chivalry belongs to the ages.

Comment on Chivalry is Dead? by Tehya

Tehya — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 04:13:28 +0000

I have to argue with you there rufus. I am in fact a “liberated” woman and quite enjoy being treated with courtesy, kindness, and a caring attitude. If you really look at the origins of chivalry, how it really came about and what it was for, you would see that only one of its values were focused on women. The rest focused on keeping the dignity and honor to those who may not have the strength or ability to do it themselves. The majority of people today are ignorant to the real meaning and definition of chivalry, like you are. Do not blame yourself for your lack of knowledge on the subject, society misleads us in our thinking. In conclusion don’t assume that “liberated” women want a certain thing if you have no idea what you’re even talking about.

Comment on Chivalry is Dead? by Elly

Elly — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:26:40 +0000

I hate to say thus, but I think you’re all missing the point. Although in the middle-ages chivalry was expected to be shown by men toward women, it has evolved over time as we have done. Who would say for one moment that only a man could embody ideals such as truth, honour, courage, courtesy, loyalty and selflessness? About a year and a half ago, I realised through a revelation that, despite being a woman, I wanted to practice chivalry throughout my life. It makes me sad to see anyone who would deny me my greatest dream. Just a thought there.

Comment on Podcast 56: Manvoted To Chivalry by A Match Made in Camelot | The Western Tradition

A Match Made in Camelot | The Western Tradition — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:02:53 +0000

[...] Although both of them are already permanently linked from this site, I feel obligated to mention here that the Chivalry Today and Art of Manliness folks recently got together to record a podcast: “Manvoted to Chivalry.” [...]

Comment on Chivalry is Dead? by Paul

Paul — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 12:51:04 +0000

I am pleased at how these articles help to filter out the exaggerated portions on benevolent sexism from the ideals of chivalry. THAT type of chivalry’s state of being may come into question at times. But, regardless as to whether or not they know it, chivalry is being kept alive and well by many people. For those taking the time to read this comment please remember that perfect chivalry is very difficult to maintain, and we humans are so very far from perfect.

Comment on Deathmatch Chivalry by Elly

Elly — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:17:08 +0000

I would also say that RPGs (role playing games) can teach us chivalry as many of them are set in medieval times (or based around that era) with honourable, heroic protaganists and engaging storylines. In fact, it was the video game Chrono Trigger, with it’s resident Knight in Shining Armour, Frog, which made chivarly seem so appealing to me.

Thank you for the open minded approach to what many consider to be ‘ruining our minds’

Comment on The Seven Knightly Virtues by Elly

Elly — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:07:38 +0000

Good day, Sir, and thank you for creating such a fantastic site. I have already replied on the ‘women and chivarly’ area with how I discovered chivalry, went through a stage of misunderstanding, then finally, realised how much it mean to me, but now I have another query. Is it possible for an atheiest, such as myself, to aspire to and embody chivarly, or are belivers the only ones who can do this? I would feel crushed to discover that chivarly is unachievable beacuase of religious beliefs, but if that is the way it has to be, then…

Anyway, thanks again.

Comment on Swing A Sword With Chivalry (Today!) by Scott Farrell

Scott Farrell — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:50:05 +0000

Marcella,
That organization is not affiliated with the Swords Of Chivalry program, so I can’t provide any information. If you are interested in our sword-combat program, contact the Team Touche fencing center at the phone number above.

Comment on Women and Chivalry by Elly

Elly — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:14:34 +0000

I would firstly like to say one thing about this essay; THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

I am a 16-year-old girl from England and about two years ago, I realised how much the code of chivalry meant to me. I noticed that whenever the word was mentioned, I got this really, really fantastic feeling inside that would make me feel so strong all over. I would usually start to blush like mad, and sometimes, my hands would start shaking, too. However, by both dictionary definition and experience,it seemed to me like a male-to-female-only thing. I even remember one time I held a door for a boy in my karate class and he refused to go through, and my karate teacher told ME off because ‘he’s being chivalrous’, though I know his only intention was to anoy me.

Over time, I manager to convince myself that the feeling I got about chivarly was anger, as I thought I couldn’t practice it, and I told myself I hated it. Deep down, though, I knew how much I loved it really. Then, a year ago on the 19th of October, the breaking point came when one of my friends, who didn’t even know how much it meant to me, told me that I was ‘very chivalrous’. This still stands, to this day, as the most incredible moment of my life. After I had got over the shock, I began to think ‘women CAN do this, I CAN do this’, and the rest is History.

Roughly one year on, I have printed out a cope of the Code of Chivarly from another website and I keep it with me 24/7,even when I sleep. I try my upmost to fulfill these qualities, and I have even told a few of my best friends, though it is a closesly guarded secret of mine. I hope one day that I will be able to publish fantasy books to teach chivarly to the next generation.

Even though I still find people who think chivarly is just for men, every time I see a website which thinks otherwise, I am filled with hope. Thanks again, and I apolagise for the length of this message.

Comment on A Shift In Chivalry by Mizzblonde09

Mizzblonde09 — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 04:27:15 +0000

I happen to know a number of girls who like the old-fashioned chivalry. Yes, a lot of the old isn’t seen or expected anymore, it is not expected by any means– but it is still sweet and gentlemanly!

Comment on Episode 22: Zombies, Time Travelers and King Arthur by Scott Farrell

Scott Farrell — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:24:40 +0000

Very interesting perspective, Ray. Glad you found the conversation on Ep 22 thought provoking, even if you don’t agree with some of the conclusions.
You’re right – Twain was not a fan of the 19th century chivalric ethic, and certainly not a fan of the antebellum aristocratic class whose romantic ideals about warfare, sparked by neo-Gothic novels like Sir Walter Scott’s, had brought about the suffering of the Civil War and its aftermath. But is his work “A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur’s Court” a critique of the wealthy class, or a dark warning that we all can become desensitized and oblivious to our own hypocrisies if we do not constantly monitor our own motives and methods? (The book does end, after all, with “enlightened” Hank starting a war that sounds eerily reminiscent of the horrors of WWI.) I can’t believe that Twain would really have objected to the core tenets of nobility – the character trait, not the social class – responsibility, personal integrity, and ethical leadership.

Comment on Episode 22: Zombies, Time Travelers and King Arthur by Ray Ford

Ray Ford — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 06:51:11 +0000

I finally listened to this podcast (sorry I’m so far behind). It’s a good episode. Scott Nokes is very knowledgeable, and he stuck to the subject, which is refreshing! And he mentions Buffy, so how cool is that?!?

I agree with Nokes when he says that Chivalry is composed of common ethical themes (my words not his), but as I’m reading the book, I have to believe that Mark Twain is right on in his satiric mocking. The repeated “They are like children” is like saying they are innocent of their beliefs. I believe this. The rich, no matter what time period, are ignorant of their surroundings – that is until their heads are cut off…. In a larger sense Twain is saying “we all believe on some level what we say or believe, but we’re ignorant of what we actually DO.” Jonathan Swift mocks society in much the same way in “Gulliver’s Travels.” The recent “Occupy Wallstreet” movement differentiates the common from the wealthy. It’s fun to watch the one percent try to fit their mold into the 99%’s.

This is largely the reason why, IMO, that Nobility is truly a farce. I just can’t believe that they – Nobility/Wealthy – are concerned about the greater good. They “think” they are concerned, but we see how it ends up. The Nobles have no concept of the world around them – even when piled high with dead bodies. Twain portrays it first in a comical manner then turns to dark irony, but hey it’s the same thing. Look at Gaddafi.

Anyways… this is a great topic and a great reason why Chivalry Today opens a unique and valuable perspective into our regular, mundane lives. Keep up the good work!

Comment on Chivalry is Dead? by Victoria

Victoria — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 00:36:46 +0000

That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Have you ever dated a girl that made you sit thru a romantic movie? Who gets the girl, the chivarlous man or the douchebag? The chivarlous man. Why do you think that is a reoccuring role in women’s books and movies? Its because that’s what women crave. Regardless of what you might hear, our mother’s still teach us to expect these things. If the man treats you with the respect and dignity you deserve, then submit to him, because he’s only acting in your best interest. That’s what we are taught. Yes, we can do everything they can do, but they are still the protectors. That’s how it is. If a woman screams at you for opening a door for her, simply respond, “My mother taught me to treat all women with respect.” and leave it at that. If she has a legit problem with it, then she probably isn’t worth your time anyway.

Comment on A Shift In Chivalry by Brandi M

Brandi M — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:10:12 +0000

I personally think the reason men these days do not possess any of these qualities because our media does not encourage it. More oftenly you are seeing men who do not have father’s in their lives so there is no one to show them how things are done. Media seems to be taking over our society so what can you expect from our generation when we are paying more attention to television than to the lectures our teachers are giving. Not to say that we can not blame ourselves because we need to but its just one of the factors.

Comment on Swing A Sword With Chivalry (Today!) by Marcella Martin

Marcella Martin — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:40:14 +0000

Hi, Scott.

I often attend Renaissance Faires. About a year ago, I came across the San Diego Sword School at a faire in Felicita Park, Escondido. Is there an affiliation of schools like yours? Do you participate in Renaissance Faires?

Marcella

Comment on The Chivalry Trap by LR

LR — Mon, 16 May 2011 20:43:35 +0000

Also, male initiated chivalry is very detrimental to a woman’s mental and physical being because women cannot take control of their own lives because of this. We always keep hearing the rule that men are supposed to pursue women and women aren’t allowed to pursue men. Which is why women suffer more from depression, anxiety, strokes, heart diseases, and other physical maladies because of our cultural beliefs and that they don’t last as long as men. They even commit more suicide and get killed in automobile accidents due to these beliefs. Put it this way, male-oriented chivalry deprives women of their right to express themselves in unique, creative ways as well as their human rights because too often we’re always putting them on a pedestal.

Comment on Chivalry, Aristotle, CS Lewis & Martial Arts by Jason

Jason — Mon, 09 May 2011 16:02:22 +0000

I read the kindle sample of Martial Arts and Philosophy and enjoyed it a lot. I’ve never come across a book like this before, but it’s ideas were very sensible. I am a martial artist, not a philosopher, but found it very readable and am glad I wasn’t put off by the title.
Jason´s last [type] ..How to Increase Punching Power

Comment on Podcast 50: A Dueling View Of Chivalry by Carlos Infante

Carlos Infante — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:46:40 +0000

Hi Scott, in listening to the openining of the podcast, the Charny quote you used is echoed in Chauncer’s “Wife of Bath’s Tale” in the Canterbury Tales when the old woman tells the knight that gentlemanliness and gentlewomanliness is not limited by possetions or rank, but by deeds, so even the poorest person can be a gentleman or woman. It certainly gives you a lot to think about. Keep up the good work.
Carlos Infante´s last [type] ..Smallville- Booster

Comment on The Seven Knightly Sins by Josh

Josh — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:26:59 +0000

Dear Sir,

Perhaps your assumption that arrogance is missing is a problematic one.

I would assert that arrogance is a baseless pride that lacks a proper footing in honesty. Arrogance is an aberration that occurs when excessive pride is mounted on too weak a pedestal and is therefore underserved.

Could that be why ‘arrogance” was left outside the above list?

Comment on The Seven Knightly Sins by Josh

Josh — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:24:04 +0000

Amazing!

2 years ago I had a nearly identical revelation. I came to the realization that Truth, Love, and Courage were the essential elements of a well lived life.

I am inspired to see that others have come to exactly the same conclusion. I am also inspired by the thought that their intersecting virtues, Justice, Compassion, and Courage are products of the original three values combined!

Thank you for your thoughts.

I am always seeking literature that elaborates on the relationships on which we appear to agree. Are there any decent sources?

Godd Day to you!

Comment on Chivalry and the Warrior Lifestyle by Sayaka

Sayaka — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:40:43 +0000

The samurai of Japan had a code of conduct called Bushido which consisted of respect, courage, rectitude, benevolence, honesty, loyalty and honor. It is a shame such virtues are scarcely found in modern society.

Comment on The Chivalry Trap by anon

anon — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 23:03:01 +0000

Chivalry does reduce women to being helpless and dependent on men but our culture still allows it.

Comment on Join The “50 By 50″ Drive – Don’t Let Chivalry Today Die by Kathy

Kathy — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 15:52:44 +0000

I have been listening for a couple years. This show has changed my attitude towards the topic of Chivalry and I now have a new appreciation of the chivalric code and it’s place in our personal and professional lives.

Comment on Chivalry and the Cowboy Code by Book Review: A Creed in Stone Creek | Musings of a Writer and Unabashed Francophile

Sat, 26 Mar 2011 02:07:23 +0000

[...] genre. They can be modern, but there’s an underlying commitment to a cowboy code. Check out this page about Gene Autry’s song, and you could check off every one of his tenets and have your hero [...]

Comment on A Shift In Chivalry by MiniMoo

MiniMoo — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 15:11:20 +0000

I’m trying to get my boyfriend to read these articles. I’ve read all of them, and I tell him how to treat me. He says that he already does. He does a few things but he needs a lot of help. I can tell that accepts the modern way of guys being for themselves.

Comment on A Shift In Chivalry by Mrs. John Jennings

Mrs. John Jennings — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 14:06:29 +0000

In your article, “The Shift In Chivalry”, your assumptions of what young ladies want would prove to be severely misplaced with the large group of young ladies enamored over the Jane Austin movies. Many young ladies have crossed my path asking the questions why do young men no longer: open doors for ladies, stand up when a lady enters a room, give up his seat for a lady, lay his coat over a puddle, pull out a chair for ladies, walking on the side of pavement closest to the road, carry a lady’s packages, being asked to dance, paying for the meal, fill up her vehicle with gas, the man pursue the woman, request to speak to their father’s for their hand in marriage, etc. Many of the young ladies I meet tell me they are tired of waiting for such a man so they settle for what is out there. After marriage they are miserable because they do not feel cherished, protected or any of the other things their mothers and grandmothers talked about. They feel the constant pressure to become what they do not want to be. There seems to be a communication gap somewhere.
Mrs. J.
Mrs. John Jennings´s last [type] ..Amish Grace- the movie- Part 3

Comment on Warriors and Society by pest control wythenshawe

pest control wythenshawe — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 05:53:47 +0000

i was starting to feel i may perhaps be the sole dude which seriously considered this, most likeyl have at the moment i take into consideration i’m not idiotic my goal is to be sure to find out more about a few different posts right away right after i recieve a touch of caffeine in me, it is rather challenging to read without having my caffeine, adios for the time being

Comment on Podcast 48: Chivalry And Swordsmen by Michael Hirsch

Michael Hirsch — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 23:11:24 +0000

Mike Loads is an excelent historian. I’ve seen his documentrise on everything from Warhorse to the Seige of Vienna. But where did he find Chad Landsnecht?

Comment on The Chivalry Trap by anon

anon — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 22:50:46 +0000

Well, let’s face it there are more men than women in this world and a guy still feels he needs to protect a girl.

Comment on The Chivalry Debate: Part 1 by Guest

Guest — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 22:43:36 +0000

Also, keep in mind that there are more men than women in the world and men do continue to be chivalrous towards women.

Comment on A Return to Chivalry? – Part 1 by Guest

Guest — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 22:32:03 +0000

The problem with chivalry is that it could be shady. Guys doing almost everything for you and not having your say. And it is considered putting women on a pedestal.

Comment on Paying The Price by Guest

Guest — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 22:30:10 +0000

The problem is that when women pay for dates, they’re considered overbearing, slutty, looking for sex, etc. and some guys easily become intimidated by that.

Comment on The Chivalry Trap by Guest

Guest — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 22:23:32 +0000

Well, let’s face it. If the guy is always chivalrous, he also becomes very possessive over her and kills other men she goes with, flirts with, talks to her, and/or is even good friends with. And the next thing you know, he might accuse the other guy of want to rape or kidnap her, even if the other guy’s intentions are good. In other words, it sounds like you’re saying chivalry is quite dangerous and destructive because it gives the idea that females are not capable of controlling their own destinies and sexualities. And if a girl acts chivalrous and assertive like holding the door open for a guy, asking him out on a date, etc., the guy easily becomes intimidated and retaliates by either being abusive, making sexual advances, etc. because he thinks it’s destroying his manhood and dignity. It’s really a double standard here.

Comment on Join The “50 By 50″ Drive – Don’t Let Chivalry Today Die by Lori Ann Cole

Lori Ann Cole — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 20:39:37 +0000

The Chivalry Today Podcasts are professional, thought-provoking, and very entertaining. They deserves our support. Our world needs more chivalry in our lives, and this website is a great teacher.

Please help keep Chivalry alive.

Comment on Knights and Fireflys by Malcolm Reynold’s Loss of Faith Part One– Firefly and the Psychology of Religion | Cheese-Wearing Theology

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 12:26:41 +0000

[...] of his defeat) has become hardened and embittered (though he retains a sense of humour and a deep nobility of character), and he demonstrates resentment toward God in particular and religion in general. In the few [...]

Comment on Podcast 48: Chivalry And Swordsmen by Thrand

Thrand — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 12:21:48 +0000

This is Thrand!!!!
This is an excellent program I love pod cast and can’t wait to get a hold Mike Loades new book.

Comment on Book Review: Swords And Swordsmen by Robert W. Franson

Robert W. Franson — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 15:54:24 +0000

Scott –

A fine review, yourself being also a noted historical interpreter and practitioner!

Comment on The Seven Knightly Virtues by Scott Farrell

Scott Farrell — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 03:13:55 +0000

Mick – Thanks for posting. While there are certainly some valid points in your comment, you demonstrate the inaccurate perspective we have of medieval culture and history, which is almost always the case when anyone starts making blanket statements like “all knights (or priests, or peasants) did such-and-such.”
Understand – chivalry was something of a personalized concept, and every knight (undoubtedly) had a slightly different take on it. But writing in the 14th century, Geoffroi de Charny recognized that “there are many of low station who are more worthy of praise and honor than those who call themselves knights, yet act like thieves and bandits.” He was one of the most respected knights of the age – and he realized that just being born into a noble family didn’t give you a noble spirit.
Similarly, a century earlier, Sir Ramon Llull, a Spanish knight, wrote that “Hope is the primary instrument of chivalry, like the hammer is the primary instrument of the carpenter.” Hope was not “B.S.” – the value of optimism (what they would have called “good cheer”) was clearly understood on some level.
Surely there were plenty of knights in medieval history who failed to live up to the values of chivalry – just as there are leaders and cultural icons today who fail to live up to our standards of ethics and morality. That doesn’t invalidate the principles – living by any code of honor is hard.
The “Seven Knightly Virtues” we list here are merely concepts that are distilled from the many principles written about by medieval knights who did value the notion of chivalry – the things that appear most often in their writings. And, whether or not they were observed in history, we need to recognize their cultural significance if we are to build our own code of honor which we can live by – today, tomorrow and forever.

Comment on Honor and Terrorists by Gabriele Zoglmann

Gabriele Zoglmann — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 01:36:12 +0000

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Comment on The Seven Knightly Virtues by Mick

Mick — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 03:01:29 +0000

Your version of chivalry, while admirable is not correct. Chivalry was for entitled individuals. Lower ranking individuals had no worth nor accorded any such ideals or actions. You take modern day morals and apply them broadly and inappropriately. Those of noble blood took what they wanted. Those granted titles were still bound to honor the rules of the nobles – unless elevated beyond station (read as titled by king or lord) above others.

Justice was for those strong enough to mete it out themselves or by accordance with the lords of the land. Mercy was shown only to those of worth (see above – noble word was beyond reproach by a commoner.) Generosity was shown for favor in return upon a field of honor. Faith was nothing more than religious virtue granted by the king or lord. Nobility is just that, one should act noble by custom of the lord or king – nothing less was accepted. Hope is BS, and never mentioned in any code. Knights were nothing more than blessed hooligans with horse and armor. Some (none of record mind you) may have been above this, most were not.

If you wish to change chivalry, please do not refer to medieval times or knights. Take and make the word for yourself in to a meaning which you can (and WILL) portray today and tomorrow and forever.