Honor. Loyalty. Authenticity. Fortitude. Tenacity. 

These are the five virtues I have stived to live my life by. Not too long ago, I was in a distant land, Japan. Some of you may know of it. Those less traveled would probably be learning of it for the very first time. In my country, I ruled over a clan of men. Unfortunately, I was betrayed. A man who I once believed to be loyal turned his sword on me. Fortunately, I fell from the window and landed near a horse. The man and his friends pursued me but I was able to escape. I eventually learned that this traitor took over my clan. It created a great sorrow within me. Those who I once had called friends were shown to be the actual opposite all along. 

As I enter into the world of La Cosa Nostra, I have been welcomed with open arms from my new clan. I press into this world recognizing that demanding payment from those who would otherwise be harmed by evil men or selling items to those who have less temperance is actually a good thing for our society. We provide what others desire. Protection. Harmony. A taste of desire. 

I aspire to continue living by the virtues I once instilled in my ruling days. I would love to know from the masses, those far more skilled than I am at this life if they would agree that these virtues are both desirable and practical in our world. I will share a brief understanding of what the virtue is and how I believe it can be properly lived out in this La Cosa Nostra, and I would welcome any feedback for my own self-reflection. 

Honor

Honor is the highest of all virtues. As the capital virtue, it is the recognition from others that an individual pursues the highest good. What then is the highest good in La Cosa Nostra? To protect ones clan, to engage in civil discourse respectfully, and to surrender ones entire being for the good of their leader and their clan. This is honorable. The man who then says no to that which would be only beneficial to himself. 

Loyalty 

Perhaps a dead virtue in many respects. This virtue is the full support of ones clan and friendship. This type of virtue seeks then not to "jump ship" as I did when I left Japan but to stay. But perhaps after having been so immensely betrayed the only thing I had left to be loyal to was myself. Much has been written on this noble virtue. I do question if its as present in our world today as it was decades ago when our ancestors roamed the streets. 

Authenticity

In a world of liars and thieves murderers and extortionists an authentic virtue is those who are unashamedly themselves. They do not pull back when pressed. They freely speak truth and do not hide themselves to be seen from their peers. One is really only known as authentic in virtue after they pass. No one can know for certain if those whom they are dealing with carry this virtue until its after the fact. An authentic clansman is a most desirable virtue in every clan.

Fortitude 

The fortuitous warrior is the one who steps into the battlefield ready to lay his life down. He does not run and hide. He is the man who ensures his leaders are protected. He shares his opinions despite fearing what others may secretly think of his name. The virtue of fortitude is lived out in the streets more than it is in the wars. 

Tenacity

The great virtue of the money maker. The tenacious individual is a profit making machine. They recruit like a military draft. They are the committed one to every area to grow themselves and their clan. This is a virtue that can be both trained and inherent but is a most desirable one. A tenacious person is most easily seen, they have a high carrying capacity or a great level of protection. One who struggles with tenacity would have little to show for their life. 

Pressing inward I look at myself and rank my own life. I desire to be an honorable warrior for my clan. I believe me to be loyal but only the test of time will prove this to be true. I wish to be more tenacious but alas I can only do what I can do. Fortitude is an ongoing battle for me. I only pray that I may have the strength to fight with unmatched resilience should the time ever come. 

Again, what about you? Do you agree with these virtues above? What are the virtues you live your life by? How would you define the virtues in your world. What is the most desirable virtue a samurai should have? I eagerly await your responses.