The Code

Hello everyone.

[Pyrotechnics, drum roll]

Finally, I get to make my TPOT debut! I spent much of this past week trudging through a blizzard of merciless homework, and I barely found any time to separate myself from school-related gaaa-bage (pencils and erasers still litter my normally clear table). This weekend has afforded me an opportunity to breathe, and I’m glad I can use it for my inaugural post. Props to Julian for laying the foundation for this project; to the posters for building atop it; to the readers, who truly make it worth something.

Away we go:

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The Code

It seems that these days, many of us are self-absorbed, whether we immediately realize it or not. The idea of “it’s every man for himself” has never been more relevant to our lives, as people look to save themselves from the prospect of trouble before even considering what their peers’ situation may be.

We may not always be able to help others, but it is awfully important that we – at the very least – teach ourselves to try to assist our friends when they are in need of assistance. To teach oneself to immediately consider how to help someone else would be a significant achievement. I would imagine many of us are trying to better ourselves as human beings each and every day; actually doing so is far from simple, but by no means is it out of reach if we teach ourselves to make the immediate effort.

To follow a set of tenants can help.

The concept of bushido will forever fascinate me. I think the feudal thinkers of as far back as the 2nd century set the foundation for a moral code which we can all learn something from.

Bushido (“Way of the Warrior”) is a Japanese code of conduct derived from the moral code of the samurai. It entails seven virtues, each of which we can learn something from. As long as I can keep these things in mind, I can assess real-life situations with a system I believe had the general idea right.

Tenant One: Rectitude

Each and every one of us has a set of principles, whether they were set down by ourselves, our parents, or people we deem wise. When presented with a problem (particularly if peer pressure is involved), we can avoid caving in to proposals we would not be proud of in the future. Abiding by principles enables us to safeguard our integrity.

Tenant Two: Courage

For us, courage does not involve the clanging of katanas and the woosh of shuriken. Oftentimes, though, we are presented with situations that hit us without warning and leave us momentarily off balance. The most effective way to regain balance is often to simply confront the problem head-on. Many of us sometimes suffer from the “I-Am-Indisputably-Right” illness, myself included. It is, in truth, okay to be wrong once in a while. It helps clear our minds and allows us to grow as people. There is no doubt that this takes a great deal of courage, but if we can muster it, we can grow. To grow is to acquire more of what life has to offer.

Tenant Three: Benevolence

We are all in need of a hand at certain times. Sometimes, we accept the help of others, but forget to return the favor. If we teach ourselves to think to help others, we increase the chances of bringing out our good nature. To be recognized as a nice person is a wonderful thing, but to know that you think purely – that the basis of all your actions is good-natured – is superb.

Tenant Four: Respect

I think respecting friends has grown easier over the years, and that respecting parents has grown harder. I, for one, am grateful for what my parents have done for me. They had no obligation to raise me properly, to provide me the essentials, to help me through my struggles – but they did. Just as the samurai respected their lords, we should respect our parents. They weren’t annoying when we were young and oh-so-needy, and they shouldn’t be considered annoying now.

Tenant Five: Honesty

Lying is ridiculously easy. For this reason, then, it makes sense that a weak-minded person resorts to lying. Those who are too weak to take the tougher, righteous path squirm off to travel the easy one. We should all keep this in mind when deciding whether to tell the truth or to spew a freshly woven tale, no?

Tenant Six: Honor

When we strive for honor, we strive to achieve our goals. It is pivotal for us to remain determined and focused as we strive to make names for ourselves. Along the way, though, we should try our best not to knock others aside. The person who reaches the top without disturbing his peers is the most honorable.

Tenant Seven: Loyalty

Traitor, snitch, whatever. Sometimes, it is better for us to take the fall than leave those who we promised our loyalty behind. This tenant is all about judgement; if you think a situation is too seriously damaging, it is okay to drop out. It is quite difficult today, though, to find people one can truly trust. When you find them, keep them and don’t let them down.

We are not samurai, and we don’t ever have to be. Bushido can teach us a thing or two, though. The key is embedding these things in our mind, so we may remember them when the time calls. Perhaps we can grow into better people this way.

- Syed