What Makes a Warrior?
Look at our blockbusters, our bestsellers, and our history books, and you’ll find any number of stories chronicling the lives or major battles of famous fictional or nonfictional warriors. Sometimes these stories follow the struggles of a lone martial artist (like the Ip Man series starring Donnie Yen), sometimes they follow a group of fighters or military members (think Saving Private Ryan or Medal of Honor). Some aspect of philosophy in most cultures, from East to West, from ancient times to modern ages, is dedicated to the role and meaning of the warrior, to the definition thereof, and the moral code he (or she) should follow.
But how does the idea of a warrior apply to the modern world? Is a warrior a fighter? A martial artist? An athlete? Or is a warrior something else?
The Samurai…
In much of Japanese history, the warrior was synonymous with the samurai, who first appeared in Japan as a class dedicated to self-defense and the protection of private manors. Their role in the Heian era was to maintain public order. Gradually, they became more influential and powerful in the following periods. In order to truly be a warrior, however, one had to do more than simply learn to wield a blade. He had to pursue bushido, the warrior’s way. According to Japanese custom,
“Bushido involved not only martial spirit and skill with weapons, but also absolute loyalty to one’s lord, a strong sense of personal honor, devotion of duty, and the courage, if required, to sacrifice one’s life in battle or in ritual.”
(Bushido, 1983, p.221, qtd in The Japanese Mind, 2002.)
Bushido was influenced by both Zen Buddhism and Confucianism. The Buddhist influences of bushido emphasized mastery over one’s mind and body, thereby influencing the warrior’s relationship with himself. The Confucian concepts, on the other hand, emphasized social expectations.
“…Confucian concepts, such as loyalty and humanism, permeated samurai society…”
(— The Japanese Mind, 2002, p.45)
Taking these influences together, then, the Japanese warrior was expected to pursue mastery over himself, physically as well as mentally, and to value and protect his fellow man.
…And Others Who Came Before
Although the theological affiliations are relatively unique to Japanese samurai culture, the concepts of honor, duty, and, and courage in relation to the warrior can be found across cultures, including some Native American tribes as well as European codes of Chivalry. For instance:
“The warrior, for us, is one who sacrifices himself for the good of others. His task is to take care of the elderly, the defenseless, those who cannot provide for themselves, and above all, the children — the future of humanity.”
The above quotation is attributed to Sitting Bull, of the Lakota Sioux Native American Tribe. The next is from Léon Gautier’s Chivalry, written in 1891:
“Thou shall respect all weaknesses, and shalt constitute thyself the defender of them,” “Thou shall not recoil before thine enemy,” and “Thou shall be everywhere and always the champion of the Right and the Good against Injustice and Evil.”
In all of the above philosophies, the martial capability of the warrior is really an extension of his expected moral conduct. In order to defend the weak, in order to defend society, one necessarily had to possess the means to engage in combat. But even if he could display martial prowess, one could not be considered a warrior without upholding the accepted moral code.
So What Really Makes a Warrior?
It’s his (or her) principles. And the most critical principle, according to the previous examples, is the dedication to a cause greater than oneself. Dedication so great that he is willing to fight — or even die — for it.
But what does that look like in the modern age and in the developed world? How do we know if someone possesses a true warrior’s spirit? Good questions!
We’ll discuss these in the next “episode” of this column — particularly looking at examples from Japan and the United States. In the meantime, I’d love to hear your thoughts on what you think makes a warrior or other interesting warrior cultures you’ve come across — please feel free to comment on all of the above or anything else you like!
Atomic Pixie is a professional writer trying to carve out her section of the entertainment industry in Tokyo, Japan. She’s all about philosophy, physicality, and — especially — food with friends. Eventually, she’ll even have a mailing list and everything.
