CODE OF THE WEST

The Code of the West is a loose set of principles and traditions that have been handed down orally and by example from the history of the American cowboy. They were made famous by the writings of Zane Grey (1872-1939) and others. There is no complete list but these ten codes are usually included:

Live each day with courage.
Take pride in your work.
Always finish what you start.
Do what has to be done.
Be tough, be fair.
When you make a promise, keep it.
Ride for the brand.
Talk less and say more.
Remember that some things are not for sale.
Know where to draw the line.

There’s a few more I like:
Don’t inquire into a person’s past. Take the measure of a man for what he is today.
Complain about the cooking and you become the cook.
Do not practice ingratitude.
Always be courageous. Cowards aren’t tolerated in any outfit worth its salt.
Real cowboys are modest. A braggart who is “all gurgle and no guts” is not tolerated.
Never try on another man’s hat. (One of my favorites)

“Treat others as you would want them to treat you.” Jesus