Chivalry

             Unfortunately, in our society, loyalty is not the pinnacle of the pyramid of ethics as it was in days gone by. One loyalty stands above such external loyalties: loyalty to self. Yes, the hierarchy still exists, but ego maintains the right of way. One must be loyal to oneself. Only after a man's loyalty to himself is concrete, can he concern himself with his ties to another man. Beyond the pedestal, allies do not realize a further priority; instead, they allow themselves to be offended by any deceit. Because every person sees himself first when he thinks of loyalty, he takes offense when any other person is respected above himself. How confused would the knights of old be if they saw each man fight first and primarily for himself?.
             As well as considering loyalty, the warriors of the past emphasized the champion. Such a man has valor but also commands admiration, for he would do battle and triumph, while still "conforming to certain laws- (86). Duby states that "the champion [sought] no other protection than the expertise of this charger, the quality of his armor, and the devotion of comrades of his own rank whose friendship [sustained] him- (87). These knights would not sink to scheming and cunning to defeat an enemy, but would stand and face him honorably on even ground such that the better man should prevail.
             The ethic of chivalry required equality and openness on the battlefield, but does society still emphasize this equality? Today's powers seek the surprise attack. Men strive at all times to remain one step ahead of the enemy. Militarily, Americans push to build bigger, faster, and stronger weapons that they can use to cause even more damage from even farther distances. In Afghanistan, cruise missiles are being used by the United States and Great Britain to destroy key points of the Taliban Regime. Society has gradually stripped individual honor and triumph from military conflict by implementing technology that requires only the touch of a button.