Painting by David Dakan Allison
24 Norse Life Rules (Lessons from the Vikings)
- Be a person of worldly intelligence if you desire to sit with kings. The man who only carries the limited scope of his village will be a laughing stock.
- Travel far and wide and you shall possess the secrets of man.
- When fear leads the way the destination is never glorious
- As one candle can light another, so too can greatness of mind be transferred amongst men. To remain in solitude is to deprive oneself of the kindling.
- Take care with your speech; it can be the catalyst for many needless problems. You never know who could be lending an ear to your ramblings.
- If you desire to claim a place in the world, arise early. The slothful wolf starves and the sleeping man rarely sees victory.
- Understand that a storm can change its course without warning. Always be prepared to brave a storm.
- Defeat your enemies in the fields before they reach your house.
- No matter how cautiously you live there is no escaping the fatal clutches of old age. So then, better to join the fray and fight proudly for something worth obtaining.
- A good friend speaks truly and from the heart, the one whose speech is always pleasant cannot be trusted.
- What will be etched into history about your life? What legend will be left long after you’re gone? How have you made this world better?
- There is always a sage wiser and warrior bolder than yourself. Be careful not to become too comfortable.
- Boastful thinking and exclamations of one’s brilliance attracts misfortune into one’s life. Live humbly, with quiet confidence and trouble will rarely beset you.
- Enemies often lurk in the shadows around corners, it would be wise to check them before venturing further on your path.
- Moderate yourself ruthlessly, allowing greed to consume you will bring nothing but sorrow.
- The critical man is quick to point the finger and causes much dismay amongst others. He is unknowing that he too shares in their faults.
- Lying awake in the night battling with ill thoughts offers no solutions. You rise unrested and in now better position than before.
- No matter if your dwelling is a fragile shack of sticks and mud it is valuable to have a home. Nothing crushes a man’s spirit more than having to beg.
- Joyous is he who shares in his riches. The coward hoards and lives in fear, rarely delighting in the fortune that seldom comes his way.
- Do not be ashamed of having simple clothing, pay more attention to your hygiene and demeanor.
- Do not be fooled by money, it makes a most unreliable friend.
- Give praise for each day regardless of what fate brings.
- When the winds are harsh one should chop wood, in fair weather row out to sea.In the romantic glow of candlelight passionately talk with a woman. Use a ship for travel, a shield for defense, and a sword for striking. Everything has its time and place.
- Common sense is your best friend.