Saluting First Knights

By
Scott Farrell
Published: November 17, 2009Posted in: Blog, Students & Teachers

First Knight

Students gather to watch knights in armor ride and discover the ideals of chivalry in the First Knight program.

Trying to instill the qualities of chivalry in modern society sometimes seems a bit like shouting in the wilderness – which is why it’s always heartening to discover a group that is working on a similar quest. A recent article in the San Marcos (Texas) Daily Record brought my attention to another group who sees the ideals of the code of chivalry as a worthy template for ethics in today’s world: the Rotary Club of San Marcos.

According to the article (and the Club’s chapter website) the Rotarians of San Marcos sponsor a project called “First Knight/Early Act.” The goal of the program (prepare for some familiar concepts here) is to use the imagery and history of chivalry to inspire first through fifth graders at local schools to take the concepts of ethics and honor to heart. The program uses short, daily homework assignments to get students to understand the practicalities of living by the ideals of chivalry.

Their methodology (based on the principles of the Rotarians) is to give students a four-point checklist to monitor their own behavior and motivation:

  1. Is it the truth?
  2. Is it fair to all?
  3. Will it build good will and friendship?
  4. Will it be beneficial to all?

Wouldn’t it be nice if more organizations today applied these standards to their actions, rather than simply asking questions like: “Is it profitable?” or “Will our stockholders benefit?”

Rotary Club Past President David Brady said: “All kids everywhere are in desperate need of ethics training and learning right from wrong.” A noble and knightly goal indeed! I’m sure I speak for all Chivalry Today fans when I say we salute the First Knight program and the work of the Rotary Club of San Marcos.

Learn more: Read the story Chivalry Is Alive and Well in the San Marcos Daily Record.

Related posts:

  1. Jedi Knights
  2. Chivalry Prevents Business Meltdowns

About the Author

Scott Farrell is the founder and director of the Chivalry Today Educational Program. He gives dozens of live presentations on the history and values of chivalry every year at schools, libraries, and civic and professional organizations throughout Southern California. His thoughts and conversations on chivalry can be heard worldwide every month on his Chivalry Today Podcast. His essays on the code of chivalry have appeared in numerous magazines and books, including Living A Life Of Value (Jason Merchey, editor) and the forthcoming Martial Arts And Philosophy (Damon Young, editor).