The Cost of Ignoring the Noble Impulse

The social imperative for cultivating a permanent class of higher ethical conduct
as a standard example of good national behavior.

Mankind is intrinsically good, and if shown the Good, will do good.
Despite cynical arguments to the contrary, this has been the belief and teaching of Pythagorus, Socrates, Plato, Loa Tse, Buddha, Confucius, Christ and Mohammed. It is the central spiritual principle upon which the cultural foundation of modern civilization has been built over the past two and a half millennia..

Dis-Honor at the U.S. Open

Several nights ago millions watched on TV as Andre Agassi played a tennis match in the U.S. Open against a Greek Cyprian, named Bahgdatis. It turned out to be a closely fought contest. In the fifth set Bahgdatis was floored by a painful case of cramps. According to the rules he was not allowed to be treated. The pro-Agassi crowd screamed for their hero to finish the unfortunate man off. Several grotesque minutes followed as an inwardly confused Agassi repeatedly failed to deliver the coup de grace to his staggering opponent, who limped, and gasped and grimaced as he fought bravely to stay in the game. To the delight of the crowd and the millions watching, Agassi eventually won the match - and in the process, via succumbing to an act of poor sportsmanship, no matter who wrote the rules, it under-lined the failure of Americans, who place so much store in winning at any cost, to understand the subtle meaning of nobility and how important it is to all of us to make sure it is especially present when on public display.

As a reverse example that illustrates this reality, if it had been Agassi who had cramped up and Bahgdatis who took advantage, it is almost certain that the Cypriot would have been booed by an outraged crowd from start to finish. If Agassi had found it within himself to heed his inner impulse, ignore the rule-book and cries for blood from the crowd and act like a true sportsman, win or lose, America and the world would have been clearly reminded of the fair spirit of nobility that dwells in all of us. The basic fact is that there is no material prize on the planet worth the tarnishing of one’s inner sense of the good. When an entire nation loses that inner spiritual sight for want of good examples, we are in for a world of trouble.

Noble Characteristics

The nobleman is neat and tidy in his person. He rises early, eats moderately and keeps both body and mind fit and ready for any emergency. He has a sound work ethic and is polite and courteous at all times. He is profoundly reverent of his ancestral lineage. He is concerned with the upkeep and improvement of his family estate. He is expected fight for the honor and security of his nation and display an in-bred sense of bravery on the battle field. He sets an example of fair play and of fair dealing. No material bribe can sway him from any act that is not right and honorable. He is a connoisseur of fine art and a preservationist of all that is valuable in both nature and manufacture. He is aware that his privileged position rests on the shoulders of the working class and has a profound sense of affection for them and the hard effort they put into life. He is deeply conscious of his obligation to represent and display all that is godly and honorable in all men.

A new generation of American children can be trained to tread that noble path and the world will be richer for it. All we have to do is refine our dream.