What is Most Worthy

Having considered all these different forms of the practice of arms, it is now time to speak of the truest and most perfect form which exists and is to be found in a number of men-at-arms.  It is embodied in those who, from their own nature and instinct, as soon as they begin to reach the age of understanding, and with their understanding they like to hear and listen to men of prowess talk of military deeds... and as they reach adulthood, the desire in their hearts grows ever greater to ride and to bear arms.
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[They] cannot be satisfied with themselves if they do not realize to the full their wish to find themselves there and to learn.  They want to observe and to find out how to set up an expedition to attack and fight one's enemies, and to observe the deployment of light horsemen, the deployment of men-at-arms and foot soldiers, and the best way to advance in a fine attack and to make a safe and honorable withdrawal.... the defense of castles and walled towns... still they are unsatisfied, for they always want to learn more because they hear about how one can lay siege to walled towns and castles.

-Geoffroi de Charny

Geoffroi de Charny was a Knight of the Order of the Star, who died with the sacred banner of France in his hand at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356.  It would be on point to our recent discussions for me to quote his remarks on marriage and love, which are not dissimilar to his remarks on men-at-arms.  He invariably says that 'we should praise most those who are most worthy,' exploring deficiencies and then perfections for men and for ladies, and for men and ladies together.

For now, though, I want to draw your attention to his remarks on the best kind of man.  Notice how similar the knight's argument is to Aquinas' argument below.  We begin with a natural drive which has as its end a good:  the desire to ride and to bear arms, which defends the weak and upholds the just; or the desire to love, which brings children and joy.  There are many ways to do each of these badly, and Aquinas and de Charny both speak at length about what is imperfect, and just why it is imperfect.

The goal, in both cases, is to perfect your nature.  The road, in both cases, is through reason:  "the age of understanding," "with his understanding," "to hear and to listen," "to learn," "to observe and find out."  "They cannot be satisfied with themselves if they do not realize to the full their wish to find themselves there and to learn."

This last shows that the fullest and most perfect virtue is a virtue of deeds and not merely of understanding alone.  It is not enough to know what is right, but you must also realize what is right through your actions -- for to "realize" is "to make real."  This is the subcreation of which we have spoken:  we are directed to make it exist.

This weekend at the Stone Games I spoke to many people who shared this drive, and taught on these subjects:  how to defend and attack, and not just yourself but in formations; how walled cities were taken and how you could organize against infantry or cavalry, or with archers; and how these medieval tactics and strategies align with our modern ones, so that you might begin to see the military art in full.  Many came who clearly shared this drive in their hearts, but to whom it was not given that they should be able to realize it fully in their actions.  Some were crippled of limb, and a few of mind, but their hearts were likewise drawn to virtue.  It is important to help them achieve it as far as they can.  It is wise to remember that we also have limits and weaknesses, and fail to do what would be most perfect.  It is therefore an honor to help those who would do more than they can do, as we hope to be forgiven for our limits or for our weakness, and to find help in achieving perfection.

We spoke very little of Aristotle, except for some of the Physics, but Aristotle is there present in all of this.  Ever since the Spanish knights began to recapture the lands that had fallen to Islam, the commentaries of Averroes on Aristotle spread into the West and began to inform our understanding.  De Charny is following his model, as informed by Aquinas and others.

Such is the path, which begins in your own nature and is perfected through understanding and deeds.  Ride, and bear arms.