I have been doing much reading, and with it, have found cause to think. Some people have been raising questions about the validity of the Gorean Philosophy, and asking what it truly is that makes one "Gorean". Some have pointed out the acceptance of Honour as a prime ideal behind what it is to be Gorean, but there is much more to it than that. Or is there?

There were many characters in the books, some with no amount of Honour as we see it, from the reader’s perspective. Others within those pages go so far as facing their enemy when they find out they had inadvertently wronged them with something -- such as when Sarus of Tyros came to Tarl in the end of Marauders of Gor to inform him of the poison that had been introduced into his body, something a Warrior never knowingly uses in battle. Of course, Sullius Maximus was dishonourable in trying to poison Tarl through another's weapon, instead of facing him openly. Sarus showed respect and Honour to Tarl, although enemies, they were Warriors. Sullius showed himself a coward, dishonourable...

…but that is not every Gorean. Not all are warriors and assassins. Some are simple men; Poets, Metal Workers, Woodsmen...even Builders and Scribes are but men of the community. Are they any less Gorean than the Warriors? No, we are all men, we are all different.

We are not equal; we are not the same. Become equal to me, then we will be the same

(Marauders of Gor, pg 8)

To each of us, no matter what our calling is, becoming Gorean is quite different. To many, it is the Codes of the Warriors -- the sense of duty, the Honour of serving a cause greater than just self-preservation. To others, it is the acceptance and desire to be attuned with Nature, to accept the wonders of the world around us, and breathe them in with every waking moment. Yet still others, it is the power of the strong, the knowledge that the strongest shall survive, and the weak shall serve or perish. No two men will agree on everything it means to be Gorean, to live the Gorean lifestyle. But there are some things I have found which they will agree upon…

Honour - the highest respect and duty to those around him. To act with Honour in all a man does.

"The Natural Order" - the belief that men are dominant, and women submissive.

Respect - for the people and the world around us.

Each of these items are those which are most talked about when a person is asked what it means to them to be called Gorean. Above all things, Honour, and being an honourable person to those you meet. Respect for those you meet and deal with, and for the world around you. And a belief in the natural order of the species, that the male is the dominant of the species, and the female is to serve and be submissive. Those females who are truly submissive to all males are considered slaves...those who are submissive in nature, but not to all men equally, are merely women. The man they do submit to would then be their 'Free Companion'.

There are other reasons that people will seek to live a Gorean life...and it all starts when one begins reading the books written by John Norman over thirty years ago, which still speak volumes today, to those who will listen. And it’s not just a reading knowledge, learning trivial details; instead, it is the deep knowledge in your heart, the depth which touches your soul and makes you stand up and say "yes, this is what I believe"…

It is what makes a man stand up and be a counted among men, instead of just being a sheep to the rest of society. To look at these books, read them, digest their words, and feel how they sit in the back of your head, and the depth of your heart. Hold a rock in your hand, and call it Home Stone -- pledge to it, and to those who share it with you, your loyalty to each other. Earn the respect of others around you who see you as a knowledgable. To be able to look at your life, and stand up for yourself and what you know in your heart is the way -- the way to life, happiness, and contentment.

This is what it means to embrace a lifestyle that is out of the modern 'norm' of society.

This is what it means to be counted among men.

This is what it means to be called Gorean.

I wish you well,

Greylin `//olffe