What could we learn about virtue, honor and leadership if we looked to the founder of the Round Table as an example of practical and chivalrous action in the modern world? The Business of the King Embodying ideals of bravery, courtesy and loyalty, Arthur is perhaps the most influential secular role model in Western philosophy. And, despite the erroneous perception that King Arthur stories are “kid’s stuff,” Arthurian literature is filled with rich metaphors regarding the nature of ethics, honor and humanity. That may sound silly, irreverent or even naïve, but the character of King Arthur (pictured above in the 14th century manuscript Romance of the Saint Graal) stands atop a body of literature that rivals nearly any other mythical or spiritual canon in human history. So, as we debate whether the Code of Chivalry has (or should have) any practical application in the modern world, there’s one question that seems to have been overlooked: What Would King Arthur Do? There are even doctrines (both humorous and semi-serious) that focus this inquiry on pop culture figures: “What would MacGyver do?” “ What would Buffy the Vampire Slayer do?” and “What would Brian Boitano do?” “What would Ghandi do?” gives us opportunity to consider the nature of nonviolent protest. “What would Buddha do?” provides a distinctly practical approach to Zen philosophy. “What would Thomas Jefferson do?” helps get to the bottom of political questions. There are plenty of other similar no-nonsense doctrines. Of course, the most famous of these approaches is, “What would Jesus do?” - a catchy slogan that helps cut through the mysticism and get right to the meat of New Testament teachings. This “hurry up and find enlightenment” mentality has given rise to a particular brand of teaching encapsulated in the catch phrase, “What would so-and-so do?” We don’t need to contemplate lengthy sermons or legends, we can simply imagine how someone wiser, more virtuous or more patient than ourselves would react. We need the bottom line … now, please! What, exactly, should we deduce from spiritual parables and philosophical writings as we try to go about our lives in a decent, ethical way? Here in the 21st century we rarely have time to contemplate myths and allegories in order to unlock their universal, transcendental meanings. From Aesop’s fables to the Bhagavad Gita, people throughout history have patiently sought for nuggets of enlightenment locked away within the allegorical teachings of sages, scholars and mystics. In ages past, wisdom and virtue were often gained by reading and contemplating mythical tales and metaphorical stories.
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