Topic: Military Theory
Erasmus' Twenty-two Principles
Appendix A, On Combat, Lt. Col., Dave Grossman, 2004
Erasmus' Twenty-two Principles on How to be Strong While Remaining Virtuous in a Dangerous World
From the Enchridion, Militus Christiani: A Guide for the Righteous Protector, by Erasmus, 1503, extracted by Sergeant Chris Pascoe, Michigan State Police
First Rule
Increase Your Faith
Even if the entire world appears mad.
Second Rule
Act Upon Your Faith.
Even if you must undergo the loss of everything.
Third Rule
Analyze Your Fears.
You will find that things are not as bad as they appear.
Fourth Rule
Make Virtue The Only Goal Of Your Life.
Dedicate all your enthusiasm, all your effort, your leisure, as well as your business.
Fifth Rule
Turn Away from Material Things.
If you are greatly concerned with money you will be weak of spirit.
Sixth Rule
Train Your Mind To Distinguish Good And Evil.
Let your rule of government be determined by the common good.
Seventh Rule
Never Let Any Setback Stop You In Your Quest.
We are not perfect—this only means we should try harder.
Eighth Rule
If You Have Frequent Temptations, Do Not Worry.
Begin to worry when you do not have temptation, because that is a sure sign that you cannot distinguish good from evil.
Ninth Rule
Always Be Prepared for an Attack.
Careful generals set guards even in times of peace.
Tenth Rule
Spit, As It Were, In The Face Of Danger.
Keep a stirring quotation with you for encouragement.
Eleventh Rule
There Are Two Dangers:
One Is Giving Up, The Other Is Pride.
After you have performed some worthy task, give all the credit to someone else.
Twelfth Rule
Turn Your Weakness Into Virtue.
If you are inclined to be selfish, make a deliberate effort to be giving.
Thirteenth Rule
Treat Each Battle As Though It Were Your Last.
And you will finish, in the end, victorious!
Fourteenth Rule
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.
Fifteenth Rule
Weigh Your Alternatives Carefully.
The wrong way will often seem easier than the right way.
Sixteenth Rule
Never Admit Defeat Even If You Have Been Wounded.
The good soldier's painful wounds spur him to gather his strength.
Seventeenth Rule
Always Have A Plan Of Action.
So when the time comes for battle, you will know what to do.
Eighteenth Rule
Calm Your Passions By Seeing How Little There Is To Gain.
We often worry and scheme about trifling matters of no real importance.
Nineteenth Rule
Speak With Yourself This Way:
If I do what I am considering, would I want my family to know about it?
Twentieth Rule
Virtue Has Its Own Reward
Once a person has it, they would not exchange it for anything.
Twenty-first Rule
Life Can Be Sad, Difficult, And Quick:
Make It Count For Something!
Since we do not know when death will come, act honorably everyday.
Twenty-second Rule
Repent Your Wrongs
Those who do not admit their faults have the most to fear.
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