I’m not a fan of Tolkien. There, I said it. But I think LOTR and other renditions that reflect complex societal landscapes reflect two, rather than one, societal “couplers”: *Chivalry* and *Fama.*
The chivalric code was a moral ideal, social construct and behavioral framework that defined aristocratic conduct. It blended faith, martial prowess, and courtly etiquette into the defining algorithm for personhood.
*Fama* refers to the medieval conceptualization of reputation or public standing, in particular, how individuals were perceived within their communities — it encompassed honor, gossip, and the social dynamics that influenced how a person’s character and actions were discussed and interpreted by others.
If you want a sense of how important “fama” was, and its interplay with chivalry, the Tuscan poet Guittone d’Arezzo wrote “for shame is more to be feared than death, / … for a wise man ought to sincerely love / a beautiful death more than life, / for each person should believe that he was created / not to stay, but to pass through with honor”. One observer noted that all members of Florentine social hierarchy subscribed to the sentiment that “a man who does not look to his fama is insane, and though living, might as well be dead.” When you consider that the “males of aristocratic families were trained to do violence, routinely carried arms, and were prickly about their honor,” you can see why “bona fama” (good reputation) and “mala fama” (bad reputation) were deadly serious business.
The chivalric code and “fama” — honor and reputation as both a connective tissue and a currency — were best exemplified by wisdom, reason, loyalty, moral integrity, courage, virtue, and purity. Of course chivalry also had its dark side and abuses — pride, violence, and moral corruption.
Two excellent books for reference:
Chivalry and Violence in Medieval Europe
Fama: The Politics of Talk and Reputation in Medieval Europe
Corey, this is a dynamic I was not well versed on. Thank you for dropping the book recommendations. I can see how the two interweave, and I can see traces of both in pre-state peoples like the Ache. I do not look down on shame cultures as some do today, for shame, if evolutionary psychologists are correct, evolved for what can be thought of good reasons in many cases - to correct behavior that is a threat to the band.
Your excellent essay triggers so many thoughts and ideas for me that I just can't condense them into a comment. Take that as a compliment on the richness of your writing and questioning Sam. The question of how "we" can call out the better angels of our nature, rather than pandering to our baser instincts, might be the main existential challenge we now face as a species.
It is hard to visualize. That is not to say there are not many legit men and women on podcasts, but who can picture the Dúnedain or King Arthur on a podcast?
Thanks for your thoughts, Shannon. I added the Ache in there to prove my point support my point. Chivalry is, in a sense, a human universal, in that we can see traces of it in every pre-state society ever studied. If it is natural, how can it die? Our environment is no longer a natural one, but an unnatural one, and rarely demands chivalrous behavior. My point is that chivalry cannot die, it is simply in hibernation. I could be wrong, but I tend to believe in nature and in what I have seen in worst case scenarios.
Perhaps we disagree on the definition of "natural." I would argue that chivalry is quite "un-natural;" it goes *against* our human tendencies quite directly.
It could be just a semantics problem and we're not clear in our definitions, here!
It seems that the indoctrination of young boys and girls by elders always existed. Add current media, motivated by profit and it is a wonder that individual chivalry exists at all. From any masculinity as toxic to pick your sex with the help from medical professionals is indoctrination on steroids. IMHO, common sense must prevail in order for chivalry to flourish again.
There was a lot to say on this topic, Barry. I limited it to technology to keep the essay short but your point is just as strong. We need to acknowledge reality once again before we can make any significant changes.
Forget the exact findings but saw evidence recently that fictional readers demonstrate some % higher empathy and emotional intelligence compared to controls. Interesting and makes sense from the lens of your great post
I've heard similar points and I believe it. That inside-the-head perspective from different characters, morals, decisions, failures, successes, it all add up in the readers mind. I got away from fiction for years as I obsessed over non-fiction, and I actually sensed a dampening of insight as a result. The balance, for my part, is crucial.
One of my favorite words, balance. I tend to get excessive so that intention combined with reflection allows me to prevent or at least intervene early on my various pursuits. Thanks for the share and perspective brother
This is one of my favorite comments to date because I am truly grateful you are rolling Jiu Jitsu and getting after it - Bravo.
There are quite a few chivalrous in existence, and while technology limits it to a great extent, it can also amplify the truly chivalrous to your point.
I’m not a fan of Tolkien. There, I said it. But I think LOTR and other renditions that reflect complex societal landscapes reflect two, rather than one, societal “couplers”: *Chivalry* and *Fama.*
The chivalric code was a moral ideal, social construct and behavioral framework that defined aristocratic conduct. It blended faith, martial prowess, and courtly etiquette into the defining algorithm for personhood.
*Fama* refers to the medieval conceptualization of reputation or public standing, in particular, how individuals were perceived within their communities — it encompassed honor, gossip, and the social dynamics that influenced how a person’s character and actions were discussed and interpreted by others.
If you want a sense of how important “fama” was, and its interplay with chivalry, the Tuscan poet Guittone d’Arezzo wrote “for shame is more to be feared than death, / … for a wise man ought to sincerely love / a beautiful death more than life, / for each person should believe that he was created / not to stay, but to pass through with honor”. One observer noted that all members of Florentine social hierarchy subscribed to the sentiment that “a man who does not look to his fama is insane, and though living, might as well be dead.” When you consider that the “males of aristocratic families were trained to do violence, routinely carried arms, and were prickly about their honor,” you can see why “bona fama” (good reputation) and “mala fama” (bad reputation) were deadly serious business.
The chivalric code and “fama” — honor and reputation as both a connective tissue and a currency — were best exemplified by wisdom, reason, loyalty, moral integrity, courage, virtue, and purity. Of course chivalry also had its dark side and abuses — pride, violence, and moral corruption.
Two excellent books for reference:
Chivalry and Violence in Medieval Europe
Fama: The Politics of Talk and Reputation in Medieval Europe
Corey, this is a dynamic I was not well versed on. Thank you for dropping the book recommendations. I can see how the two interweave, and I can see traces of both in pre-state peoples like the Ache. I do not look down on shame cultures as some do today, for shame, if evolutionary psychologists are correct, evolved for what can be thought of good reasons in many cases - to correct behavior that is a threat to the band.
Your excellent essay triggers so many thoughts and ideas for me that I just can't condense them into a comment. Take that as a compliment on the richness of your writing and questioning Sam. The question of how "we" can call out the better angels of our nature, rather than pandering to our baser instincts, might be the main existential challenge we now face as a species.
There is much evil, no doubt, but there is also much that is good that lies within. I appreciate it, Baird.
You got a lol out of me at the Dúnedain on a podcast.
It is hard to visualize. That is not to say there are not many legit men and women on podcasts, but who can picture the Dúnedain or King Arthur on a podcast?
If chivalry is a choice (which I agree with you--it absolutely is!), then it can die when we stop choosing it. I'm with Lewis on this one.
Thanks for your thoughts, Shannon. I added the Ache in there to prove my point support my point. Chivalry is, in a sense, a human universal, in that we can see traces of it in every pre-state society ever studied. If it is natural, how can it die? Our environment is no longer a natural one, but an unnatural one, and rarely demands chivalrous behavior. My point is that chivalry cannot die, it is simply in hibernation. I could be wrong, but I tend to believe in nature and in what I have seen in worst case scenarios.
Perhaps we disagree on the definition of "natural." I would argue that chivalry is quite "un-natural;" it goes *against* our human tendencies quite directly.
It could be just a semantics problem and we're not clear in our definitions, here!
It seems that the indoctrination of young boys and girls by elders always existed. Add current media, motivated by profit and it is a wonder that individual chivalry exists at all. From any masculinity as toxic to pick your sex with the help from medical professionals is indoctrination on steroids. IMHO, common sense must prevail in order for chivalry to flourish again.
There was a lot to say on this topic, Barry. I limited it to technology to keep the essay short but your point is just as strong. We need to acknowledge reality once again before we can make any significant changes.
Great essay, Sam. And this — “He would be Denethor—an ass.” — made me laugh out loud.
I appreciate it, Lou, any day I can write about LOTR is a good day. Tolkien was a genius.
Become a lethal reader 👊🏻
100% Kyle. The duality is worth fighting for.
Forget the exact findings but saw evidence recently that fictional readers demonstrate some % higher empathy and emotional intelligence compared to controls. Interesting and makes sense from the lens of your great post
I've heard similar points and I believe it. That inside-the-head perspective from different characters, morals, decisions, failures, successes, it all add up in the readers mind. I got away from fiction for years as I obsessed over non-fiction, and I actually sensed a dampening of insight as a result. The balance, for my part, is crucial.
One of my favorite words, balance. I tend to get excessive so that intention combined with reflection allows me to prevent or at least intervene early on my various pursuits. Thanks for the share and perspective brother
This is one of my favorite comments to date because I am truly grateful you are rolling Jiu Jitsu and getting after it - Bravo.
There are quite a few chivalrous in existence, and while technology limits it to a great extent, it can also amplify the truly chivalrous to your point.
Thank you for dropping the note.