Some thoughts that seem relevant to the moment… please note that I have
added some references and definitions in the extended portion of this entry. I
do not claim to be an expert on these words, those I intend to become much more
familiar with them in an academic way; though I do have a good sense of them
already. No doubt this will become the core of a larger essay in the future.
To what do you owe your allegiance?
I use that word specifically in this context. When we speak of ideas and
ideals, things abstract and larger than ourselves then we are speaking, it
seems, of ‘allegiance’. When we speak more personally of a person then the
concept seems to be more appropriately expressed as ‘loyalty’.
So, let me answer my own question now that I have asked it. My allegiances…
- My Honor
- My House
- My Country
- My Company
- My Dojo
That about covers it. In order. Obviously this is a complex situation… and
while it describes the priorities of my allegiances it does not always describe
the priorities of an individual action. For instance a crucial task for my Dojo
may well have a higher priority over a non critical task for my house.
Similarly, my Honor may well dictate that a specific task for my Company is of
paramount priority at that moment.
There should be no explanation needed about ‘Country’. I would clearly not
betray my nation for monetary advantage.
In the end though, let us be clear. I would rather lose it all than betray my
honor. I would place the survival and responsibilities of my house above the
success of my company. And in the end my corporation must take precedence above
my responsibilities to my Dojo.
As an example, the prominence of my Company over my Dojo is necessary because
the Company is the prime source of influence and sustenance (such as it is at
present) for my house. It is my livelihood. However the needs of my company
would never cause me to betray my Sensei, because such a thing would be
in violation of my Honor, and unthinkable.
It is clear to me then that there is a responsibility of honor
to those who have pledged themselves to you. If you would consider yourself a
"prince" in this world and hold yourself as Liege then you would
be best served to remember this. Specifically, those who have pledged their
fealty to you have done so with certain expectations, and it is useful to keep
that in mind.
Let me clarify that because it is important. Fealty is not
something granted to a ruler by "Divine Right". Fealty is pledged as a specific
action. It is something that is done for many reasons that might include a
mixture of what that ruler can do, what that ruler can provide and what that
ruler represents. This is an exchange and the common one in the
feudal system included among other things 40 days of military service a year in
exchange for protection and support.
Lots to think about in there.
So if you want homework, here it is 🙂
Dictionary.com-allegiance
"Usage:
Allegiance,
Loyalty. These words agree in expressing the general idea of fidelity and
attachment to the “powers that be.” Allegiance is an obligation to a ruling
power. Loyalty is a feeling or sentiment towards such power. Allegiance may
exist under any form of government, and, in a republic, we generally speak of
allegiance to the government, to the state, etc. In well conducted monarchies,
loyalty is a warm-hearted feeling of fidelity and obedience to the sovereign.
It is personal in its nature; and hence we speak of the loyalty of a wife to
her husband, not of her allegiance. In cases where we personify, loyalty is
more commonly the word used; as, loyalty to the constitution; loyalty to the
cause of virtue; loyalty to truth and religion, etc." –
Dictionary.com-fealty
"Fe"al*ty, n. [OE. faute, OF. faut[‘e], fealt[‘e], feel[‘e], feelteit,
fr. L. fidelitas, fr. fidelis faithful. See
Feal, and cf. Fidelity.] 1. Fidelity to one’s lord; the feudal obligation
by which the tenant or vassal was bound to be faithful to his lord; the
special oath by which this obligation was assumed; fidelity to a superior
power, or to a government; loyality. It is no longer the practice to exact the
performance of fealty, as a feudal obligation. –Wharton (Law Dict. ). Tomlins."