Chivalry-Now

The International Fellowship of Chivalry-Now is a nonprofit free association that promotes and embraces the ideals of an ethical code updated for today's world.
The philosophical components of the Chivalry-Now movement reach back to the philosophers of Ancient Greece and Rome, and include concepts from the Renaissance and the 18th-century Age of Enlightenment, the insistence on personal authenticity of 19th-century Existentialism, as well as the insights of modern science and psychology. The focal point for expressing its ethical code, however, is medieval chivalry. Despite this, the International Fellowship of Chivalry-Now is mindful to differentiate itself from self-styled orders, and does not claim to be an order of chivalry.
Background
The philosophy of Chivalry-Now seeks to contribute to the depth of freedom, democracy, equality, and personal authenticity as if chivalry had survived and evolved into modern times, and in partnership with feminism. A central theme of Chivalry-Now is the importance of approaching everyday life as a quest for learning, meaning, and self-development - to increase consciousness of the moment, and to bring much-needed purpose to the concept of freedom.
The advocates of Chivalry-Now believe that many of today's gender, social, and political problems are caused by a disconnection from that collection of ideals upon which our modern civilization was based, and that much-needed improvements to our wounded culture can be gained by reclaiming those ideals.
Each person's quest leads to individual perspectives that are valued and respected as a recognized and on-going process of personal growth. Reflecting the freedom of personal autonomy, members do not always agree on every point. As personal guides that unite them, they point to natural law (in the form of conscience) and to areté (a core Ancient Greek virtue that was "the excellence born from seeking to fulfill purpose, realize possibilities, and expend every last drop of potential and ability").
The Twelve Trusts
Chivalry-Now provides a modern ethical code known as the Twelve Trusts, which summarizes its quest-like approach to personal development.
The Fellowship serves as a connection for autonomous members to share and develop ideas in a courteous environment, and to find friendship and support during difficult times.
The many virtues espoused by the Chivalry-Now philosophy are a mixture of classical idealism and philosophical realism:
* truth, reason, and intellect
* self-discovery, self-development, and purposeful living
* compassion, generosity, and sense of justice
Membership
Although medieval chivalric codes were heavily influenced by Western Christianity, Chivalry-Now is purposely nonsectarian, in order to unite as many people of good will as possible. Focusing on conscience and the depth of basic human values rather than on creeds, it welcomes into its Fellowship all tolerant and open-minded men and women of any, or no, professed faith.
The Fellowship of Chivalry-Now is open to anyone who seeks it; there is no need for an invitation or sponsorship. New members are encouraged to become active (usually through the online forum) as soon as they join.
After displaying a genuine understanding of the Twelve Trusts and a proclivity to espouse the living philosophy of Chivalry-Now, a member may be asked by the governing Council of Knights if he or she would like to become a Companion . This recognition opens the door to greater involvement in the Fellowship, including additional sections of the online forum. Less than 1-in-10 of the total membership are Companions.
A Companion may be invited to join the Fellowship's governing council as a Knight after a continued display of growth and development, and advocacy of the living philosophy of Chivalry-Now. The knights of Chivalry-Now do not receive an accolade from a sovereign fount of honour, consequently they do not make use of the prefix "Sir" or "le Chevalier" in their names. Instead, a knight may be styled "Mr. John Smith, Knight" or "Ms. Mary Jones, Knight" (abbreviated: Kt.), if he or she so chooses. There are currently four members on the Council of Knights.
Symbols
The formal motto of Chivalry-Now is "la Quête d'Arété" - which is derived from blending the Fellowship's principle of areté, with "la Quête du Saint-Graal" (French: "The Quest of the Holy Grail") - to mean "The Quest of Areté" or more simply "The Areté Quest".
The Fellowship's coat of arms is blazoned in the language of heraldry as "Bendy of six Argent and Gules, on the central Gules portion three escallops Or"; and its crest as "Issuant from a nest a Phoenix in its flames wings displayed and elevated all proper". These were registered with on 3 April 2012.
The Fellowship's insignia consists of the "Star of Areté" - a gold twelve-pointed star (an irregular dodecagram) within a red circlet inscribed with the motto and the formation date. When worn, the insignia is suspended from a ribbon likewise blazoned as "Gules a pale Argent endorsed Or". Knights and Companions may also request from their local heraldic authority a personal coat of arms, should they not already be entitled to use one, and have it adorned with the aforementioned insignia of Chivalry-Now; they do not, however, have the right to be granted heraldic supporters for life.
Bibliography
* Jacques, Joseph D. <u>Chivalry-Now: The Code of Male Ethics</u>. John Hunt Publishing, 16 Feb 2010. ISBN 9781846942846. 220 pages.
* Jacques, Joseph D. <u>The Deeper Quest</u>. John Hunt Publishing, 16 Apr 2012. ISBN 9781780990248. 274 pages.

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