Re: [Mid] "Earning" a peerage

<< The concept "exemplars" is kinda linked, at least in my mind, to another
 concept: Platonic objects.
 
 How does a chair get to be a chair? No one grants it chairness in a lavish
 ceremony with the king and queen (or would it be sofa and love seat?). It's
 just recognized as a chair because it has chair like qualities which reflect
 those of the ideal chair (or so Plato argued - and hey, I paid good money for
 those philosophy classed and I'm gonna use 'em!).
 
 But peers don't spring fully formed out of the head of Zeus. They become
peers
 over time. "Earn" seems like the logical verb to describe their development.
 
 Avery >>

Elegantly stated, Avery. But, "becoming" is a perfectly good verb. I think
we consider some part of "earning" a peerage to be related to service. Is the
person in question using their skills and talents to benefit the Society at
large? And, in some part, are they developing the forms and courtesies
important to the bearing of a Peer? Are they loyal and respectful to the
Crown and it's representatives? By this we learn if they have sufficient
humility to recognize something larger than themselves. Can they *willingly*
give over authority to someone in order to support the greater fantasy that
everyone is ostensibly trying to recreate?

Speaking from the perspective of a Chivalry member, we look very closely at
these other, less "tangible" qualities. Primarily because we recognize that
the particular skill we have cultivated does not serve the general population.
We do not, as a requirement, create beautiful scrolls, or cook magnificent
feasts, or organize grand events. However, maybe as an offset, we do require
some significant involvement in both Arts and Service. The other peerage
Orders do not, in my experience, require anyone to have similar involvement in
armored combat. Nor should they, necessarily. As I said, their very skills
contribute to a more beautiful, well run Society. The Order of the Chivalry
only has precedence by virtue of seniority. We recognize the ground we have
to make up for some.

Well, as always, longer than I originally intended. Thanks again Avery, for a
well-crafted thought.

DAG
From: Duke Dag <DukeDag@aol.com>
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Received on Mon Jan 12 22:06:54 1998