Well said. I often hear modern thinkers categorizing "rugged individualism" (who invented that phrase anyway? I'll bet it wasn't a cowboy) as selfishness and being out for one's own interests; but when I read firsthand accounts of Western life and older fiction from writers who knew the time and place, I see its defining characteristic as an independent spirit combined with a strong *voluntary* loyalty to friends and neighbors.
I'm much obliged, Elisabeth. Cowboy were often tagged with the "rugged individualism" brand. They certainly weren't of the selfish variety, as you well point out. Another phrase thrown around these days is "toxic masculinity." Cowboys were the furtherest thing from that, as well. They were men, make no mistake about that, but they were men who respected and defended the honor of women, took care of animals, and wouldn't brook the bullying of children or the elderly. As I said to Rich in this thread, if more of us adopted the cowboy's character this would be a better world all around.
Thank you so much for subscribing and reading. And thank you for commenting. Conversing with my readers is one of the great joys of publishing Y'allogy. Blessings.
Really enjoyed this! I've been thinking a lot about 'loyalty' recently after discovering that the Greek word for 'faith' as used in the New Testament is 'pistis' which is better translated as 'loyalty'.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed the piece. You're correct in your use of pistis. (I studied Koine Greek in seminary.) It's often translated simply as "faith"—that which causes faith or trust. But has a richer meaning depending on the context. It could also mean a solemn pledge, an oath, or a confidence (as in, putting confidence in someone or something)—loyalty.
I'm currently finishing Book 10 in Terry C. Johnston's 15-book series, "The Plainsmen" series, and I couldn't have found this article at a better time. This perfectly describes the cowboy (and 1860's/1870's plainsmen civilian scout's) character.
Thank you, Rich. I'm grateful you like the article. I'm not familiar with Johnston's series. It must be a hum-dinger if you're on book ten of fifteen. If more of us adopted the cowboy's character, bringing the late nineteenth century into the twenty-first century, this would be a better world indeed.
Thanks for reading and subscribing to Y'allogy. Folks like you make writing this articles a labor of love.
Sorry or the late reply… I was finishing that book. I appreciate writers like you who take the time to write and share your perspective with the rest of us. Have a wonderful weekend!
Well said. I often hear modern thinkers categorizing "rugged individualism" (who invented that phrase anyway? I'll bet it wasn't a cowboy) as selfishness and being out for one's own interests; but when I read firsthand accounts of Western life and older fiction from writers who knew the time and place, I see its defining characteristic as an independent spirit combined with a strong *voluntary* loyalty to friends and neighbors.
I'm much obliged, Elisabeth. Cowboy were often tagged with the "rugged individualism" brand. They certainly weren't of the selfish variety, as you well point out. Another phrase thrown around these days is "toxic masculinity." Cowboys were the furtherest thing from that, as well. They were men, make no mistake about that, but they were men who respected and defended the honor of women, took care of animals, and wouldn't brook the bullying of children or the elderly. As I said to Rich in this thread, if more of us adopted the cowboy's character this would be a better world all around.
Thank you so much for subscribing and reading. And thank you for commenting. Conversing with my readers is one of the great joys of publishing Y'allogy. Blessings.
Really enjoyed this! I've been thinking a lot about 'loyalty' recently after discovering that the Greek word for 'faith' as used in the New Testament is 'pistis' which is better translated as 'loyalty'.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed the piece. You're correct in your use of pistis. (I studied Koine Greek in seminary.) It's often translated simply as "faith"—that which causes faith or trust. But has a richer meaning depending on the context. It could also mean a solemn pledge, an oath, or a confidence (as in, putting confidence in someone or something)—loyalty.
I'm currently finishing Book 10 in Terry C. Johnston's 15-book series, "The Plainsmen" series, and I couldn't have found this article at a better time. This perfectly describes the cowboy (and 1860's/1870's plainsmen civilian scout's) character.
Thank you, Rich. I'm grateful you like the article. I'm not familiar with Johnston's series. It must be a hum-dinger if you're on book ten of fifteen. If more of us adopted the cowboy's character, bringing the late nineteenth century into the twenty-first century, this would be a better world indeed.
Thanks for reading and subscribing to Y'allogy. Folks like you make writing this articles a labor of love.
Sorry or the late reply… I was finishing that book. I appreciate writers like you who take the time to write and share your perspective with the rest of us. Have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you so much, Rich. Have a wonderful Sunday.