What’s the Code?

Bushido is the samurai code of honor, akin to the chivalry of the Knights of the Round Table. Bushido was a list of rules for the samurai. The list of virtues guided him on how to think and act. The concept seems exotic. Because many of us believe ourselves to be free of such rules, living by a code is an alternative lifestyle. It is an exception to the rule. In a way, the ability to live by a code is seen as one of the samurai’s powers.

What many may not realize is that we all live by codes. We are all guided on how to think and act by a structure. In fact, the biggest difference between the Bushido code of the samurai and the “that’s just me” code of modern people, is in the formality. The Bushido code was clearly defined, written down, and still discussed four hundred years later. Whereas the modern person rarely states their life philosophies in such official terms. But, that doesn’t mean that the formalized Bushido code was more prevalent in the samurai’s life than the undefined codes are in our lives.

Do you recycle your trash when you can?

Do you believe recycling to be a good way of living?

Will you always recycle your trash?

Sounds like a code to me.

At this point in my life, I am vigorously trying to imbed a habit into my children: looking both ways before crossing the street. In fact, I want my children to obey this rule more than the samurai who obeyed his rules. This rule couldn’t be more important to me. This rule is a code.

When was the last time you went to sleep without brushing your teeth? If the answer is anything other than “I can’t remember,” please answer from a few feet away. Bad breath aside, this is a strong rule of conduct for almost everybody. Do you think there was a Bushido rule that the samurai followed more consistently than you follow your rule of brushing before bed? I doubt it. Most of us are perfect in following that rule for decades. Is your Code Alarm ringing?

Codes like this are wonderfully beneficial to us. Whether or not we follow them consistently, there are many codes of conduct that do a great job of protecting us or keeping us healthy.

However, not all of our modern codes are so rosy-cheeked. We also have many rules of conduct that do us more harm than good.

Where do you get your news? Do you have a favorite news channel or source? I’m sure you do. Now, here’s the thing: Would you ever receive news from a channel from the “other side?” I’m sure you won’t. The last many years have drawn dark political lines. Only watching the news from certain channels is a code. It’s a code that can limit your exposure to truth and information.

Politics in general are a series of codes. Do you know which party you will vote for in an election ten years from now? Most of us already do. Most of us can tell you which party we will vote for in every election for the rest of our lives. What’s disturbing is that we would probably follow that philosophy even if our party’s candidate was Mickey Mouse. If that’s not a code, what is?

There are also many codes people develop based on gender, age, status, and other social measures. “I prefer a female doctor” means that you have vowed to avoid male doctors and only visit female doctors.

You might say that choosing a female doctor is a preference and not a code. I would say that you are half correct. Choosing a female doctor was once a preference which then created a code. The preference was born out of how you felt the last time you visited a male doctor or female doctor. But, you haven’t checked back to see if you still feel that way about female doctors. So, it’s not about preference anymore. Now, it’s a code.

Unlike the samurai who received the Bushido code from its originator, we choose our own codes. So, just as with the female doctor, we have an experience, judge it as good or bad, and then establish a code to try to make that same experience good next time, and forever. It’s a natural way of trying to protect ourselves.

However, because we create our personal codes moment by moment, we do not consider the overall effect of those codes on our lives. The Bushido code was developed with a purpose. We, ourselves, seldom consider the overall purpose of our planned actions. So, instead of having a comprehensive life plan we can apply in every situation, we have a hodgepodge of varying philosophies, some good, some bad, and some silly.

What’s the answer? Let’s be like the samurai.

I propose that we all take time to formally establish our codes of conduct. Since we develop such codes naturally anyway, why not be proactive and create principles that will benefit yourself and your family?

Since these codes are personal, they can cover topics that may be inappropriate for a large group of people (say, all samurai, for example). Nobody can judge your codes. Nobody even needs to know your codes. What’s important is that they were created with a purpose. And since you are creating them to use in your current reality, they can be modern and specific to your everyday life.

“Always backup your work when using a computer”

This one would have no value for the samurai but will save digital swordsmen immense frustration throughout their lives.

“Drink 8 glasses of water every day”

Doctors have been trying to make this advice a code for years. Have you formally adopted this rule as one of your codes? We all know we should drink 8 glasses of water every day. Officially making this one of your life codes will give it more strength. You would be taking ownership of the rule, making it part of your code.

“When you read a blog you like, share it with your friends”

This one might benefit others (like me) more than it benefits you. And, that is exactly the point. You don’t have to add any rules to your life you don’t believe in.

The idea of living by a code fascinates us. While it may seem like an aspect of the superhuman, setting our own rules of life is an option for us. And, instead of stumbling on your philosophies moment by moment, you can create a beautiful framework of your values. If it’s good enough for the samurai, it is good enough for all.   

Burak Uzun is an award-winning writer and instructor. He has received thousands of hours of training and hands-on experience in guiding individuals with social and emotional challenges. He also co-wrote a feature film called Team Marco, which was featured in over fifty film festivals around the globe and was distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films.

Please feel free to reach out to Burak here.

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