What are the main elements of Japanese Bushido?

1. Morality 義
Although it’s often translated as “rectitude”, I find that morality makes it easier to understand. Bushido: The Spirit of Japan defines morality in two ways: as the power of unwavering decision upon a certain course of conduct and more metaphorically as the bone that gives firmness and stature.

2. Courage 勇
Courage is an extension of morality and only useful when matched with correct morals. Courage, or the spirit of daring and bearing, as it was first translated was a huge element of raising children during this time. Parents challenged their children constantly in Spartan-like training. A far cry from the overprotecting helicopter parents of today.

3. Benevolence 仁
Samurai, who possessed both the legal and physical power to destroy and kill were also required to keep their powers in check with benevolence and mercy. It is only those who could act with valor to the extent that they can befriend their enemies in times of piece who could capture benevolence.

4. Respect 礼
If you’ve ever been to Japan, you’ve likely experienced the Japanese politeness or respect. This system is based in Chinese Confucianism but the Japanese Samurai adopted and preserved this system very well. Are you working hard to treat everyone as respectfully as they should be?

5. Honesty 誠
As a principle, the Samurai did not lie and there are many tales of those who did being put to death for it. The Samurai also didn’t see the need for written contracts as that would doubt the truthfulness of their word.

6. Honor 名誉
There is hardly a more profound concept in Bushido than honor. The Samurai lived and died by their honor, with haragiri (seppuku) being the final way of preserving lost honor. Even today there is a great deal that can be learned from Samurai-esque honor. He was born and bred to value the duties and privileges of his profession. Fear of disgrace hung like a sword over the head of every samurai.

7. Loyalty 忠義
During Samurai times loyalty was thought of as being more valuable than life itself. Loyalty today is fairly nonexistent, but the remainders of Samurai-era loyalty can still be seen in Japanese companies where employees often stay for their entire lives.
What are the main elements of European chivalry?

While comparative feudalism received some attention from historians in the 1970s, the comparative study of chivalry has received far less consideration than it deserves. The age of