The Everyday Knight

From the annals of "pulp fiction" in the early 1930's we bring you a review of an influential icon and virtual template for the nascent superhero genre. Carl Savage, jr. AKA Doc Savage is a larger than life character with a specific code that governs his life and spurs his adventure. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear, as we de-code the Code of Doc Savage!

IF, by Rudyard Kipling Part 2 of 2 If, by Rudyard Kipling, is a late Victorian poem written to honor the stoic tradition but we believe it articulates many of the modern virtues we espouse. These include Fortitude, Courage, Diligence and Humility.

Part 1 of 2 If, by Rudyard Kipling, is a late Victorian poem written to honor the stoic tradition but we believe it articulates many of the modern virtues we espouse. These include Fortitude, Courage, Diligence and Humility.

There are many similarities between the Samurai of feudal Japan and the knights of medieval Europe. In this episode we compare their code of conduct with our modern day code of Chivalry.

If we are fortunate as a martial artist, or anyone that pursues excellence in a skill, we eventually find a place in our minds that is both freeing and calming. That taps into our training and our understanding of our sport or art. What can it look like? And is there a way to train for that state specifically? 

In martial arts, like many endeavors, different approaches to skill can be identified as "Analytical" or "Instinctive." While different, they are not opposed. We discuss how both can be integrated and combined to support the progress of an individual as they gain skill and experience in nearly any pursuit.

In order to guard ourselves in conversation, just as in combat, it is useful to be versed in the strategies and techniques of those who would do us harm. We examine logical fallacies that often arise in in discussion, both as a means of self-defense and a caution not to inadvertently fall into their use.

We believe ourselves to be on a quest, of sorts, in the pursuit of a chivalric life. "The Quest" itself is a substantial part of chivalric and classical literature. But how do we view and undertake quests in our everyday lives? And how important is The Quest in making our lives feel worthy?

If we are a society of equals, why do so many choose to remain "common" rather than "aristocratic?" It is not merely a matter of wealth or circumstance. In a world where access to culture and information are free and instantaneous, we can and should choose to be educated and noble. 

Part 2 of 2 Leadership can be considered a talent as well as a skill. But what qualities do we look for when selecting a leader, or deciding whether to follow? And which virtues comprise what we think of as "good" leadership?

Part 1 of 2 Leadership can be considered a talent as well as a skill. But what qualities do we look for when selecting a leader, or deciding whether to follow? And which virtues comprise what we think of as "good" leadership?

Part 2 of 2 Modern concepts of Loyalty differ somewhat from the complex medieval relationships of Fealty, or Homage. Yet Loyalty was also considered extremely important as a virtue to the historic knight. We look at the differences and similarities, and how they relate to our modern definition.

Modern concepts of Loyalty differ somewhat from the complex medieval relationships of Fealty, or Homage. Yet Loyalty was also considered extremely important as a virtue to the historic knight. We look at the differences and similarities, and how they relate to our modern definition.

Good communication skills bring value to every human interaction. In the age of instantaneous worldwide communication, and the proliferation of social media platforms, how does one maintain courtesy and the other virtues within the limits of "text only" interaction?

Part 2 Martial Arts films from Asia have influenced Western films for decades. We examine a few better known examples, throw in some of our favorites, and compare the virtues portrayed with their counterparts in Western movies. In particular we are looking for contrasts between virtues, and how they are valued in these genres.

Martial Arts films from Asia have influenced Western films for decades. We examine a few better known examples, throw in some of our favorites, and compare the virtues portrayed with their counterparts in Western movies.In particular we are looking for contrasts between virtues, and how they are valued in these genres.

part 2 of 2 Niccolo Machiavelli's "The Prince" is often pointed to as a manual for underhanded dealings, both in politics and business. However, there is a larger motivation behind Machiavelli's writings, and a deeper understanding of the advice he provides to those in power.

Niccolo Machiavelli's "The Prince" is often pointed to as a manual for underhanded dealings, both in politics and business. However, there is a larger motivation behind Machiavelli's writings, and a deeper understanding of the advice he provides to those in power.

Part 2 In this chapter we discuss some uncomfortable questions. Mainly "How do we regard prowess when the physical ability begins to wane?" If you are in a combative sport, you deal with fatigue and injury your whole career. There is an inevitable point when physical skills deteriorate, and injuries weigh more heavily. How do we compensate for diminished strength or speed? What other virtues and skills can we bring to the fore?

In this chapter we discuss some uncomfortable questions. Mainly "How do we regard prowess when the physical ability begins to wane?" If you are in a combative sport, you deal with fatigue and injury your whole career. There is an inevitable point when physical skills deteriorate, and injuries weigh more heavily. How do we compensate for diminished strength or speed? What other virtues and skills can we bring to the fore?

Renown may be valued by anyone on the path of Chivalry. It speaks to our success and progress on the path. But how can one guard against self-aggrandizement and it's cousin false humility? We discuss this topic because we recognize its importance, to anyone seeking the true path, as one of the most common potential pitfalls.

The Chivalric Life should be celebrated! This may occasionally involve the imbibement of strong drink. When in your Chivalric Life this should occur, be prepared! Here is our quick and handy guide to ordering a drink in public, and drinking like you know what you're doing. Part 2 of 2

The Chivalric Life should be celebrated! This may occasionally involve the imbibement of strong drink. When in your Chivalric Life this should occur, be prepared! Here is our quick and handy guide to ordering a drink in public, and drinking like you know what you're doing.

The knights of history were charged to "Defend the Faith." What does this mean to us in the modern day? Whose faith? Ours certainly, but what if we profess no religion in particular? What if we find some people's expression of their religion to be offensive? This episode takes on those questions and, we hope, offers some guidance.

The knights of history were charged to "Defend the Faith." What does this mean to us in the modern day? Whose faith? Ours certainly, but what if we profess no religion in particular? What if we find some people's expression of their religion to be offensive? This episode takes on those questions and, we hope, offers some guidance.

Part 2 of 2 In our effort to bring the Virtues to every aspect of our lives, including the commonplace and mundane, we turn our Chivalric lens upon what is, for most of us, an everyday activity. Sharing the road is a social activity, and while there are laws that govern its use, we can also bring courtesy, generosity and justice to our driving habits.

In our effort to bring the Virtues to every aspect of our lives, including the commonplace and mundane, we turn our Chivalric lens upon what is, for most of us, an everyday activity. Sharing the road is a social activity, and while there are laws that govern its use, we can also bring courtesy, generosity and justice to our driving habits.

In Heinlein's book "Time Enough for Love" there is an inset called "The Notebooks of Lazarus Long" (the main character) in which he puts forward a list of things any human being should be capable of. We review this list and interpret it in light of the Virtues. Part 2

In Heinlein's book "Time Enough for Love" there is an inset called "The Notebooks of Lazarus Long" (the main character) in which he puts forward a list of things any human being should be capable of. We review this list and interpret it in light of the Virtues.

We interrupt our usual course of discussion to tackle a timely subject. Namely, how does one enact the Virtues in a time of global pandemic. How we act and react during adversity says a great deal about our true character. 

This episode is an exercise that we use to examine different aspects of Chivalry. The idea that certain 'Elemental Virtues' can be combined with, or contribute to, other aspects of chivalric virtue allows us to understand these aspects in greater depth.

A lively discussion ensues as we compare different impressions of the meaning and importance of this Virtue. We refer to it as the +1 Virtue, being the composite and masterful practice of all the others.

We recognize Prowess to mean Skill in a given undertaking. Whether it be a martial art, a sport, or a profession. As we often note, this particular virtue is not realized so much in its attainment, as it is in the striving after it. It occurs to us that this Virtue, like some others, is supported by other virtues such as Diligence and Honesty. We also briefly touch on the dual nature of Renown and Infamy.

We speak of Loyalty as a virtue in terms of being faithful to your word and trustworthy within your oaths and obligations. We also discuss loyalty as a virtue unto itself, and conflicts that arise when loyalty brings one into opposition with one's own conscience or sense of justice.

We speak of Loyalty as a virtue in terms of being faithful to your word and trustworthy within your oaths and obligations. We also discuss loyalty as a virtue unto itself, and conflicts that arise when loyalty brings one into opposition with one's own conscience or sense of justice.

Generosity - Charity - Largesse - Noblesse Oblige. We discuss these different aspects in modern terms and urge everyone to include it in their list of virtuous behaviors. True generosity of spirit inspires and uplifts all those around you.

Truthfulness, Veritas, Honour. These are all words that describe aspects of Honesty. We recognize Honesty as a core virtue, as it is a necessary component when striving for nearly all of the other virtues. Being honest with others is necessary for trust, being honest with oneself is vital to personal growth.

The tools we carry with us everyday effect how we see and interact with the world. Being prepared for common, and emergency scenarios on a day to day basis can allow freedom, give comfort and support us as we go about our daily lives. This isn't about weapons particularly, or even self-defense in general, although those are purposeful tools and eventualities one may face. Rather it is about all the items we keep about us that aid us in our pursuit of a chivalrous life.

Part 2 In this episode, we talk about reverence as it relates to respect for spiritual and religious teaching. We also talk about our attitudes toward faith, organized religion and religious tolerance. Modern and medieval perspectives on religion are vastly different, so we explore the methods we use trying to fit this virtue into our modern lives.

In this episode, we talk about reverence as it relates to respect for spiritual and religious teaching. We also talk about our attitudes toward faith, organized religion and religious tolerance. Modern and medieval perspectives on religion are vastly different, so we explore the methods we use trying to fit this virtue into our modern lives.   

Civility and the practice of tolerance as virtues when in public discourse. We talk about when and where they are needed, and the possibility that it may sometimes be more appropriate to abandon them. Most particularly, the somewhat paradoxical, yet socially practical view, that we must not tolerate intolerance.

This is the second half of our discussion of Chivalry in Westeros, the world of Game of Thrones. As we strive to include the Chivalric Virtues in our everyday lives, George RR Martin brings us modern examples of chivalry, both good and bad, that we can point to for a modern audience.

Here at the Everyday Knight, we strive to apply Chivalric Virtues to our modern lives. The hugely popular series Game of Thrones has brought the concepts of knights and chivalry to a modern audience and prompted us to discuss some of the characters as examples of Chivalric Virtue, both good and bad. 

Fortitude, in many ways, combines aspects of other virtues so as to create a new and worthwhile virtue. It includes discipline, courage and perseverance over time. Fortitude is an amalgam that allows us to make ourselves better through training, and to succeed by continuing in the face of adversity.

Fortitude, in many ways, combines aspects of other virtues so as to create a new and worthwhile virtue. It includes discipline, courage and perseverance over time. Fortitude is an amalgam that allows us to make ourselves better through training, and to succeed by continuing in the face of adversity.

In this episode we explore the nature of Justice itself. (Particularly as compared to vengeance) as well as the importance of being Just in terms of the Virtues. Not merely in terms of a sense of balance and fair play, but including a view toward 'greater good' and whether the individual is, or should be responsible for that. 

In this chapter we use Propriety, in the sense of 'appropriate-ness' or 'acting properly' as an extension of Courtesy. That is, showing respect for an occasion or venue, and being courteous enough to behave in a manner consistent with the expectations of the hosts/sponsors and other guests or attendees. As we find with many of the other virtues, Humility is necessary to realize that your individual attitudes are not the most important consideration in a given situation.

With St. Valentine's Day around the corner, we thought it might be worthwhile to distribute this handy guide. If you're stuck for a gift, or aren't sure what might be appropriate, we present the definitive, universal and foolproof manual for demonstrating every possible level of affection or regard for another person. Just kidding, we didn't do all that. But it might be a useful thought-starter if you need one. Have fun, and be excellent to each other.

A somewhat SCA specific topic, prompted in part by a recent survey. We discuss what Peerage Orders are, some of their history and where they might be headed. We also touch on what we call things in the Society, how they affect our perceptions and in some ways lay the tracks for our future.

Part 3 of 3: The American Western was central to the national identity a generation ago. We look at how those tropes and conventions echo to us now, and how they helped establish ideals of behavior, for better or worse, in the US.