Just before the Crusades around 1100 AD, the notion of noble character, noble thought and noble deeds arose among the noble classes of Europe. In fact, it’s how they got their name, the Nobility, both men and women, and it inferred how they were to treat one another, as well the common folk who lived under their rule. And their protection.
From this sentiment about nobility arose what was called “The Chivalry Code”, a code of honor applying to those people as to how they were supposed to treat others. I won’t write it down for you here, for there was never just one “code” that covered all of Christendom, covering several countries and languages. But I have printed it out, below, a piece of prose written in 1927 by a fellow named Max Ehrmanns, from Indiana, which you can easily see encompasses much of the Biblical Golden Rule.
It was so noble-sounding that when it was published in 1970, many people thought it was from the Middle Ages.
Indeed, in the First Crusade (1096-1099) when the Holy Land and Jerusalem was retrieved from the Muslims, some of the most noble and chivalrous names, Tancred and Godfrey, who took their Holy vows most seriously to heart, played major roles and are still revered in history.
But there was also much unnecessary carnage, not so chivalrous, and since most of the men who set up kingdoms in the Holy Land were largely from France, they just as quickly lost the Holy Land back to the Muslims in the Second Crusade, and then, led by the Saracen prince, Saladin, would hold onto it thereafter, against six more Crusades, when Louis XIV of France made the last try in 1271.
To this day, Middle Easterners use the name “Crusader” and “French” interchangeably and while a few were noble, most weren’t.
So, what happens when the upper classes routinely commit crimes against its citizens?
From petty to grand?
What happens when the upper classes routinely mistreat the dull and ignorant, either for convenience, or for sport?
And finally, what happens when the noble upper classes no longer have to pay any penalty, not even so much as an “I’m sorry”?
Then you will know our upper classes are no longer American.
They are are French.
(Print this out, and post it up somewhere. This is what our upper classes think they are, while they are just the opposite. They are not American.)
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender,
Be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others –
Even the dull and ignorant, they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons – they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter,
For always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Keep interested in your own career –
However humble, it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is.
Many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Especially do not feign affection, neither be cynical about love.
For in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
It is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the council of the years,
Gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune,
But do not distress yourself with imaginings –
Many fears are borne of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
No less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
Keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be careful. Strive to be happy.