Scholar Warrior: Definitions
Answer This Question: Who Are You?
What is the Scholar?
What is the Warrior?
A scholar is one whose whole inward intellectual and moral being has been symmetrically unfolded, disciplined and strengthened under the influence of truth... No one faculty should be drawn out to the neglect of others. The whole inner man should be unfolded harmoniously. (1)
Warrior: a person engaged or experienced in warfare broadly
a person engaged in some struggle or conflict
I have always been intrigued with the concept of the Scholar Warrior. Throughout history, there have been numerous examples of individuals who embodied the qualities of a scholar warrior. From ancient civilizations to modern times, these individuals have left a lasting impact on their communities and the world as a whole.
One of the most well-known examples of a scholar warrior in history is Miyamoto Musashi, a legendary Japanese swordsman and philosopher from the 17th century. Musashi was not only an exceptional swordsman but also a prolific writer, with his treatise "The Book of Five Rings" still being studied and revered by martial artists today.
Some of my earliest and most profound movie experiences which seemed very exotic to me were watching Samurai movies at the Fox Venice or Nuart theaters in Los Angeles. These were foreign films, rarely shown on American television and usually only in arthouse theaters.
The Samurai represented to me the quintessence of the solid Spartan warrior who also wrote poetry and performed the tea ceremony. What a wild and unusual juxtaposition of skills I thought!
Experiment: Walk around today embracing the "Scholar Warrior" Identity. To examine issues with intelligence and insight, to act with Boldness and Daring.
That's right. Actually say, "I am a Scholar and Warrior." See how your demeanor, your bearing and focus changes - if you truly in a heartfelt manner embrace this new Identity. Once you realize that this new Identity propels you, then how can other identities - painter, filmmaker, professor, athlete and more - create your momentum and path for your True Self.
Another notable figure in history who embodied the qualities of a scholar warrior is Joan of Arc. Despite being illiterate, Joan possessed strong religious convictions and showed exceptional leadership skills on the battlefield during the Hundred Years' War. Her intelligence and bravery made her a formidable opponent, and she is still revered as a national heroine in France.In ancient China, the concept of the scholar warrior was highly valued and embodied by individuals such as Confucius and Sun Tzu.
We see that scholar warriors have played a significant role in shaping society and leaving a lasting legacy. And while the concept may have evolved over time, the fundamental principles of being a scholar warrior remain relevant and valuable to this day. As individuals, we can strive to embody these qualities and make a positive impact in our own lives and the world around us. So let us take inspiration from the scholar warriors of the past and continue to carry on their legacy for future generations to come.
Let us become scholars in our own right, while also honing our physical strength and moral code. By doing so, we can truly become the best versions of ourselves and better serve our communities and the world at large. So let us embrace the legacy of scholar warriors in history and use it as a guide for personal growth and societal progress. The possibilities are endless when one possesses both knowledge and strength, and the potential to make a difference is limitless. It's time to be both a scholar and a warrior in our own right, just like those who have come before us. The legacy of scholar warriors lives on, and it's up to us to carry it forward with pride and determination. So let's pick up our pens and swords, for together they hold the power to create a better world for ourselves and future generations. As Confucius once said, "To know is not enough; we must apply. To will is not enough; we must do." Let us embody this philosophy and continue the legacy of scholar warriors in history. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable. So let us embrace our inner scholar warrior and strive to make a positive impact, not just for ourselves but for the greater good. The world needs more scholar warriors now more than ever, and we each have the potential to be one. So let us never forget the lessons taught by those who came before us and honor their legacy by continuing to pursue knowledge, strength, and moral integrity.
The common themes are that a scholar is a person who has a high intellectual ability, is an independent thinker and an independent actor, has ideas that stand apart from others, is persistent in her quest for developing knowledge, is systematic, has unconditional integrity, has intellectual honesty, has some convictions, and stands alone to support these convictions.
A Warrior acts with boldness, daring and knows that all risks are measured and undertaken with courage. Whatever the plan and the Journey. The Warrior sees the campaign for spiritual fulfillment in their own Quest - and is willing to take risks to attain this goal.
“The Nation that makes a great distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools.”
– Thucydides
(1) Emanuel Vogel Gerhart, The Proper Vocation of a Scholar: An Address, Delivered at the Opening of the New Diagnothian Hall (July 2, 1847).
(2) Afaf Ibrahim Meleis, Theoretical Nursing: Development and Progress (2011), p. 17.