The Warrior Creed
By Robert L. Humphrey
(Iwo Jima Marine)
Wherever I go,
everyone is a little bit safer because I am there.
Wherever I am,
anyone in need has a friend.
Whenever I return home,
everyone is happy I am there.
“It’s a better life!”
By Robert L. Humphrey
(Iwo Jima Marine)
I am a dedicated student and practitioner of diverse martial arts—a capoeirista flowing with the ginga, a strategic escrimador wielding the rattan, and a focused player of esgrima de machete y bordon, mastering the blade and the stick. These disciplines are more than just physical skills; they are the crucible in which my character has been forged. They have molded my body into an instrument of fluid movement and power, and they have simultaneously sharpened my mind, instilling the vital lessons of strategic evasion, precise timing, and unyielding, disciplined commitment.
Yet, above and beyond the techniques and titles of any specific art, I am a WARRIOR FIRST. This is not a casual self-description or a title I claim lightly; it is a profound, non-negotiable state of being. This identity is not based on the skills I possess, but is rooted in an unshakable and comprehensive philosophy that governs every aspect of my life. It is a commitment that transcends any single art form, any specific weapon, or any transient skill set I have acquired.
To be a warrior is to embrace a holistic way of life, one that demands courage in the face of uncertainty, humility in victory, and resilience in defeat. It requires a constant, internal battle against complacency, fear, and self-doubt.
And as a true warrior, I pledge my life—my spirit, my training, and my future—to the immutable, time-honored principles of the Warrior Creed.
The Warrior Creed, penned by the venerable Robert L. Humphrey, a proud veteran of the Battle of Iwo Jima, is more than a simple set of maxims; it is a profound philosophy for living a life of purpose, security, and integrity. This creed embodies the essence of a protector and a dependable member of society, translating the discipline and selflessness of a warrior into everyday ethical conduct.
So, the fundamental question arises: “Why do I follow the warrior’s creed?”
The answer is multifaceted and deeply personal, yet it contains universal truths for anyone who seeks to live a life of meaning, strength, and integrity. Read on, for below I list not only my own core reasons for this adherence but also why every true warrior—whether their battlefield is the roda, the boardroom, the canvas, or the challenges of everyday life—should embrace this ancient and vital code.
The Warrior Creed is Essential Because It Provides:
- A Moral Compass in Chaos: The world is a place of unpredictable change, tempting shortcuts, and moral gray areas. The Creed acts as an absolute north star, demanding honor, honesty, and courage even when the path of least resistance calls. It is the framework that ensures my actions are always aligned with my values.
- Unwavering Discipline and Self-Mastery: Capoeira requires countless hours of practice, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. The Creed formalizes this need for discipline, turning fleeting motivation into an ingrained habit of self-control. It demands mastery over one’s own fears, impulses, and limitations before attempting to master any external skill.
- The Foundation for Resilience: A warrior understands that defeat is a lesson, not an ending. The Creed instills the tenacity to endure hardship, the wisdom to learn from failure, and the sheer grit to rise again after every knockdown. It replaces the fragile ego with an unyielding spirit.
- A Pledge of Service and Protection: The ultimate purpose of strength is not domination but defense. The Creed obligates the warrior to protect the vulnerable, to stand for justice, and to serve a cause greater than personal gain. It transforms mere ability into noble purpose.
The Pursuit of Discipline and Self-Mastery
To follow the warrior’s creed is, fundamentally, to embark on a path of relentless self-mastery. The discipline inherent in this creed is not external—it is a conscious, internal choice.
- Mental Fortitude: It provides a framework for cultivating mental resilience. The creed trains the mind to face adversity, fear, and uncertainty not with panic, but with clarity, focus, and unwavering resolve. It teaches that the greatest battles are often fought and won within the mind.
- Physical Conditioning: While not all battles are physical, the creed often necessitates a dedication to peak physical readiness. This readiness is not merely for conflict but as a demonstration of commitment, self-respect, and the understanding that a strong body supports a strong will.
An Ethical Compass in a Chaotic World
The creed serves as an unshakeable ethical compass, offering clear direction when moral choices are complex and murky.
- Integrity and Honor: It is a refusal to compromise one’s core values. Following the creed means acting with integrity even when no one is watching, honoring one’s word, and recognizing that one’s reputation is built on consistency and truthfulness, not expediency.
- Courage as a Daily Practice: Courage, within this context, is not the absence of fear, but the mastery of it. It is the commitment to stand up for what is right, to face necessary discomfort, and to persevere through trials—a commitment that must be renewed daily.
A Deep Sense of Purpose and Service
The warrior’s path is rarely solitary; it is often tied to a greater purpose that extends beyond the individual.
- Protecting the Vulnerable: A core tenet of many warrior codes is the defense of those who cannot defend themselves. This commitment transforms personal strength into a tool for justice and protection, giving life meaning beyond self-interest.
- Legacy and Example: By adhering to the creed, one seeks to leave a legacy of honorable conduct and strength. The “Why” is found in the desire to be an example to others—to demonstrate that a life lived with principle, discipline, and courage is possible and ultimately more fulfilling.
In essence, the commitment to the warrior’s creed is a profound declaration that one chooses to live a life defined by meaning, discipline, and honor rather than by ease, comfort, or moral relativism. It is a quest for purpose that requires the daily practice of one’s highest ideals.
Wherever I go, everyone is a little bit safer because I am there.
This declaration serves as the bedrock of the warrior ethos, articulating a profound and quiet commitment to the immediate environment. The safety provided is not a boast of mere physical dominance, but a promise rooted in a cultivated state of constant, quiet vigilance. A true warrior does not seek conflict, but through their disciplined presence, they subtly deter it. Their very being acts as an anchor of order, signalling an intolerance for malice or unwarranted aggression. This security is born from a mental and moral preparedness to observe the totality of their surroundings, to assess threats with cool, dispassionate analysis, and to be ready to act decisively, instantly, and effectively should chaos threaten. Their presence minimizes the probability of harm, acting as a beacon of security and a subtle shield over their community. This safety is a gift freely given, a testament to the warrior’s internal preparedness, unwavering commitment to ethical action, and a deep-seated belief in the sanctity of others’ well-being. It signifies that the individual has taken on the burden of observation and guardianship so that others may live more freely.
Wherever I am, anyone in need has a friend.
This extends the warrior’s foundational role from a silent sentinel to an active, tangible source of support and companionship. The term “friend” here is not casual; it implies a deep, reliable, and unconditional bond of assistance and loyalty. It means that the warrior is emotionally, mentally, and physically primed to intervene when they perceive a fellow human facing difficulty. This encompasses not only confronting physical danger but also offering solace and practical aid in moments of emotional distress, professional challenge, or simple practical need. The warrior stands ready, offering their strength, resources, unique skills, and unwavering loyalty. This commitment reflects a profound sense of empathy and a civic duty to actively lift up those who are vulnerable, ensuring no one is left to face their individual battles in isolation. It underscores the concept that genuine strength is used in service of others, transforming the warrior into a communal resource—a dependable point of light in the dark times of another’s life. This is the application of the warrior spirit beyond the battlefield, transforming a guardian into a compassionate helper.
Whenever I return home, everyone is happy I am there.
The final promise measures the ultimate success and quality of the warrior’s character, focusing on its profound impact within their closest and most intimate circle. A true warrior carries their virtue, integrity, and discipline beyond the public sphere and into the domestic realm. Here, their integrity does not manifest as harshness, but as unquestioning warmth, unshakeable dependability, and positive, restorative energy. The joy and relief upon their return is the natural, organic reward for a life lived honorably, free of unnecessary conflict, characterized by genuine, consistent care, and marked by positive contributions to the emotional ecology of the home. Their presence signifies not just a physical return, but the arrival of peace, resolution, and restored balance. The warrior’s quiet strength provides a stable foundation, allowing family and loved ones to feel wholly secure. This happiness is the ultimate validation that the discipline required for the warrior’s external duties has successfully cultivated an exceptional inner person—a person who brings sanctuary and light wherever they plant their feet.
“It’s a better life!”
This concluding exclamation encapsulates the ultimate benefit of living by The Warrior Creed. It is a declaration that this disciplined, selfless, and vigilant existence does not lead to hardship, but instead unlocks a more meaningful, fulfilling, and enriched life. By choosing the path of the protector, the individual finds a deeper sense of self-worth and creates a measurable, positive impact on the world, confirming that this way of life is, unequivocally, superior.
A Comprehensive Interpretation of Robert L. Humphrey’s Modern Warrior Creed
The Warrior Creed, as originally conceived and articulated by Robert L. Humphrey, transcends the traditional, often narrow, definition of a “warrior” as merely a figure proficient in combat. It establishes a profound, modern code of chivalry, positioning the true warrior not as an instigator of conflict, but as a dedicated Agent of Order and Protection. This philosophy is built upon the foundational principle that the apex of personal strength is not found in its mere possession, but in its deliberate and consistent application in the selfless service of others. The modern warrior, therefore, is defined less by their capacity for violence and more by their unwavering commitment to justice, virtue, and the defense of the vulnerable. Their strength is a tool of peace, not a license for aggression.Core Tenets and Philosophical Pillars
Humphrey’s creed restructures personal ethics into a demanding but profoundly rewarding framework, moving the individual from a passive participant to an active, responsible guardian. It emphasizes three critical, interwoven areas:1. Responsibility and Unceasing Preparedness
The fundamental meaning of the Warrior Creed lies in the voluntary and unwavering assumption of responsibility for one’s surrounding environment—be it a family, a community, a professional team, or a wider society. This responsibility is not a passive duty, but a proactive commitment to stand in the gap. The modern warrior is the antithesis of complacency, recognizing that preparedness is the ethical obligation that precedes action. This requires the maintenance of a constant, multi-faceted state of readiness, moving beyond simple physical conditioning to encompass the full spectrum of self-cultivation:
- Physical Readiness: Maintaining fitness and health not for vanity, but to ensure the physical capacity to act decisively in a crisis and endure necessary hardship.
- Mental Acuity: Cultivating continuous learning, critical thinking, situational awareness, and the mental resilience required to make sound judgments under extreme pressure and uncertainty.
- Moral and Emotional Fortitude: Establishing an unshakeable ethical baseline, coupled with the emotional intelligence to manage fear, anger, and stress, ensuring actions are governed by principle rather than impulsive reaction.
This tenet stresses that the highest form of preparedness is the integration of these domains, creating a holistic individual ready to address any challenge, known or unknown.
- Intellectual Readiness: This involves the continuous pursuit of knowledge, critical thinking, and situational awareness to anticipate potential threats and devise intelligent, strategic solutions.
- Moral and Ethical Readiness: The warrior must possess an iron-clad commitment to integrity and virtue, ensuring that their strength is always wielded with justice and wisdom, never out of malice or personal gain.
- Physical Readiness: The maintenance of physical fitness is a form of respect for the responsibility assumed. It is the practical tool required to intercede effectively and ensure the safety and stability of those under their protection.
This constant state of vigilance is not paranoia, but a commitment to prudence, ensuring that when a crisis arises, the warrior is not merely reactive, but decisive and effective.2. Active Compassion and Proactive Assistance
The Creed radically champions the concept of Active Compassion, elevating empathy from a passive emotion to a mandate for decisive, helpful action. It moves beyond simple observation of distress and demands proactive friendship and intervention. The warrior’s developed strength is not a trophy to be displayed, but a channel through which aid flows to the weak, the distressed, and the vulnerable.
- Intervention as a Moral Imperative: The true test of a warrior is the willingness to place oneself between danger and the defenseless. This involves turning sincere empathy into an act of physical, emotional, or moral support, providing a shield for those who cannot protect themselves.
- Mentorship and Empowerment: Active compassion also manifests as a commitment to uplifting others, offering guidance and resources to help the weak become strong, thus broadening the circle of order and capability.
3. Integrity, Success, and the Pursuit of Peace
Ultimately, adherence to the Warrior Creed serves as the ultimate measure of Personal Integrity. The warrior understands that their success is not gauged by personal victories or accolades, but by the tangible, peaceful outcome they create for others. The clearest and most resonant metric of the warrior’s success is found in the genuine happiness and harmonious existence of those at home and in their community.
- The Outcome is Harmony: A life devoted to the principles of protection, service, and ethical conduct inevitably results in a harmonious and joyous existence, not just for the protected, but for the warrior themselves and their loved ones. The reduction of chaos and the elevation of peace become their greatest reward.
- Mutual Elevation: The creed argues powerfully that by dedicating one’s life to protecting and elevating the lives of others, one fundamentally and inevitably enhances the quality and meaning of one’s own life. This selfless path is, paradoxically, the most fulfilling form of self-actualization.
—–Bridging Philosophy and Practice: Capoeira Angola
The principles embedded in Robert L. Humphrey’s Warrior Creed find a striking, albeit culturally distinct, resonance with the teachings and philosophy of Capoeira Angola. This parallel is more than superficial; it touches upon the core ethical and existential mandates that define a “warrior” in the most profound sense.
While Capoeira Angola is a unique Afro-Brazilian art form blending fight, dance, rhythm, and ritual, its deepest teachings mirror the creed’s emphasis on responsibility, self-mastery, and holistic strength. It is an art form forged in the crucible of oppression, making its philosophy of strength inherently tied to the protection of community and the preservation of human dignity.
Core Parallels with the Warrior Creed
1. The Warrior as Protector and Agent of Order:
Capoeira was historically a practice of resistance and self-defense for the enslaved people of Brazil. This origin story fundamentally embodies the warrior’s role as a protector of dignity, freedom, and community identity (order).
- Preserving Cultural Order: By maintaining the complex traditions of the Roda, the songs, and the movements, the Capoeirista actively preserves a vital cultural heritage—a defiant act of maintaining internal order against external chaos and subjugation.
- Defense of the Vulnerable: The very reason for Capoeira’s disguise as a dance was to enable a community to defend itself covertly. This act is the ultimate expression of the warrior’s responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
2. Holistic Preparedness: Intellectual, Moral, and Physical Readiness:
The Capoeirista is trained not just physically, but comprehensively, reflecting the creed’s demand for intellectual, moral, and physical readiness—a complete human being capable of facing any challenge.
- Physical Mastery (Luta): The physical training involves strength, agility, balance, and a deep understanding of combat techniques (the luta or fight). This ensures the physical capacity to act when required.
- Moral Integrity (Malandragem and Respect): Morally, the student is taught respect for the Mestre, the history, and the opponents in the Roda. Furthermore, the concept of malandragem—often translated as cleverness, cunning, or street smarts—is crucial. It is the intellectual and moral strategy of knowing when to fight, when to evade, and how to use minimal force for maximum effect, embodying the moral high ground of the strategic warrior.
- Intellectual and Musical Acuity: Intellectual readiness is honed through the strategy of the game (the continuous dialogue of attack and defense), the ability to improvise, and the command of the art’s musical elements (rhythm, instruments like the Berimbau, and song). The music directs the pace, intensity, and nature of the jogo (game), demanding constant mental alertness and adaptability.
3. Active Compassion and Community (A Roda as a Moral Crucible):
The Roda (the circle where Capoeira is played) is the ultimate expression of active community and mutual support, mirroring the creed’s call for selfless service and compassion.
- Mutual Growth and Protection: The structure of the Roda is a microcosm of the ideal community. The stronger players (the Mestres and experienced students) have the explicit responsibility to guide and protect the weaker ones, ensuring safety while fostering growth. This means playing at a level that challenges, but does not injure, the beginner.
Shared Responsibility: The entire Roda is responsible for the energy and safety of the game. Everyone, from the musicians to the participants, contributes to the success and moral integrity of the practice—a direct analog to the creed’s requirement for the warrior to be an active, compassionate member of their community, extending care and strength outward. The well-being of the individual is inseparable from the well-being of the collective. active compassion and proactive assistance.
In conclusion, the philosophies and teachings of Robert L. Humphrey, particularly his compelling and influential Warrior Creed, offer profound insights into personal ethics, integrity, and the enduring principles of a virtuous life. Humphrey’s work is a powerful framework for developing a strong moral compass and cultivating the inner discipline necessary to navigate life’s challenges with honor and resilience.
To delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Robert L. Humphrey’s ideas, explore his foundational texts, or learn more about the practical application of his unique warrior creed, we encourage you to visit his dedicated website, “Life Values.” This resource serves as the definitive source for his complete body of work, providing detailed explanations, further resources, and a comprehensive understanding of the values he championed. Please click HERE to be directed to the “Life Values” website.
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