Some thoughts that seem relevant to the moment… please note that I have<\/p>\n
added some references and definitions in the extended portion of this entry. I<\/p>\n
do not claim to be an expert on these words, those I intend to become much more<\/p>\n
familiar with them in an academic way; though I do have a good sense of them<\/p>\n
already. No doubt this will become the core of a larger essay in the future.<\/p>\n
\nTo what do you owe your allegiance<\/u>?<\/b><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
I use that word specifically in this context. When we speak of ideas and<\/p>\n
ideals, things abstract and larger than ourselves then we are speaking, it<\/p>\n
seems, of ‘allegiance’. When we speak more personally of a person then the<\/p>\n
concept seems to be more appropriately expressed as ‘loyalty’.<\/p>\n
So, let me answer my own question now that I have asked it. My allegiances…<\/p>\n
\n
- My Honor<\/li>\n
- My House<\/li>\n
- My Country<\/li>\n
- My Company<\/li>\n
- My Dojo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
That about covers it. In order. Obviously this is a complex situation… and<\/p>\n
while it describes the priorities of my allegiances it does not always describe<\/p>\n
the priorities of an individual action. For instance a crucial task for my Dojo<\/p>\n
may well have a higher priority over a non critical task for my house.<\/p>\n
Similarly, my Honor may well dictate that a specific task for my Company is of<\/p>\n
paramount priority at that moment.<\/p>\n
There should be no explanation needed about ‘Country’. I would clearly not<\/p>\n
betray my nation for monetary advantage.<\/p>\n
In the end though, let us be clear. I would rather lose it all than betray my<\/p>\n
honor. I would place the survival and responsibilities of my house above the<\/p>\n
success of my company. And in the end my corporation must take precedence above<\/p>\n
my responsibilities to my Dojo.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
As an example, the prominence of my Company over my Dojo is necessary because<\/p>\n
the Company is the prime source of influence and sustenance (such as it is at<\/p>\n
present) for my house. It is my livelihood. However the needs of my company<\/p>\n
would never cause me to betray<\/i> my Sensei, because such a thing would be<\/p>\n
in violation of my Honor, and unthinkable.<\/p>\n
It is clear to me then that there is a responsibility of honor<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
to those who have pledged themselves to you. If you would consider yourself a<\/p>\n
"prince" in this world and hold yourself as Liege<\/b><\/i> then you would<\/p>\n
be best served to remember this. Specifically, those who have pledged their<\/p>\n
fealty to you have done so with certain expectations, and it is useful to keep<\/p>\n
that in mind.<\/p>\n
Let me clarify that because it is important. Fealty is not<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
something granted to a ruler by "Divine Right". Fealty is pledged as a specific<\/p>\n
action. It is something that is done for many reasons that might include a<\/p>\n
mixture of what that ruler can do, what that ruler can provide and what that<\/p>\n
ruler represents. This is an exchange<\/i><\/b> and the common one in the<\/p>\n
feudal system included among other things 40 days of military service a year in<\/p>\n
exchange for protection and support.<\/p>\n
Lots to think about in there.<\/p>\n
So if you want homework, here it is \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dictionary.com-allegiance<\/a><\/p>\n
\n"Usage:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Allegiance<\/a>,<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Loyalty<\/a>. These words agree in expressing the general idea of fidelity and<\/p>\n
attachment to the “powers that be.” Allegiance is an obligation to a ruling<\/p>\n
power. Loyalty is a feeling or sentiment towards such power. Allegiance may<\/p>\n
exist under any form of government, and, in a republic, we generally speak of<\/p>\n
allegiance to the government, to the state, etc. In well conducted monarchies,<\/p>\n
loyalty is a warm-hearted feeling of fidelity and obedience to the sovereign.<\/p>\n
It is personal in its nature; and hence we speak of the loyalty of a wife to<\/p>\n
her husband, not of her allegiance. In cases where we personify, loyalty is<\/p>\n
more commonly the word used; as, loyalty to the constitution; loyalty to the<\/p>\n
cause of virtue; loyalty to truth and religion, etc." –<\/p>\n
full entry<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
<\/p>\n
Dictionary.com-fealty<\/a><\/p>\n
\n"Fe"al*ty, n. [OE. faute, OF. faut[‘e], fealt[‘e], feel[‘e], feelteit,<\/p>\n
fr. L. fidelitas, fr. fidelis faithful. See<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Feal<\/a>, and cf. Fidelity.] 1. Fidelity to one’s lord; the feudal obligation<\/p>\n
by which the tenant or vassal was bound to be faithful to his lord; the<\/p>\n
special oath by which this obligation was assumed; fidelity to a superior<\/p>\n
power, or to a government; loyality. It is no longer the practice to exact the<\/p>\n
performance of fealty, as a feudal obligation. –Wharton (Law Dict. ). Tomlins."<\/p>\n
– full entry<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
<\/p>\n
Fealty@Everything2.com<\/a><\/p>\n