Warrior Virtues

(Extracted from"The Guide for the Righteous Protector" written in 1503 by Erasmus)

Make virtue the only goal of your life

Dedicate all your enthusiasm, all your effort, your leisure as well as your business

Train your mind to Distinguish good and evil

Let your rule of government be determined by the common good

Always be prepared for an attack

Careful generals set there guards even in times of peace

Treat each battle as though it were your last

And you will finish, in the end, victorious

Don't assume that doing good allows you to keep a few vices

The enemy you ignore the most is the one who conquers you

Never admit defeat even though you have been wounded

The good warrior's painful wounds spur the will to gather strength

Speak with yourself this way:

If I do what I am considering, would I want my family to know about it?

Life can be sad, difficult, and quick: make it count for something

Since we do not know when death will come, act honorably every day