"Why do we fight, why do we serve, why do we strive to live up to the ideals of courtesy, chivalry, and honor? 

Why is it important to display the attributes of knighthood at all times and in all things we do both within the SCA and in our mundane lives?  The answer is simple really…It makes us better people.  One of the things I have noticed in this latest deployment is that people have an inherent lack of common courtesy.  I am not even talking about carrying loads or opening doors for people, but an absolute lack of knowledge that there are other people out there who's lives could be enriched by just giving them a kind word, or not cutting them off, or respecting their space, or by just listening instead of talking.   If we don't display a common courtesy in life, everyday life, what good will there be left in the world, and what will they say about us when we are gone?
Always remember that renown is what others say about you.  It is your reputation and no matter what you do you will have renown.  Will yours be good or bad?  Ask yourself, before you answer that question, do you talk about yourself to others?  That is Pride.  Pride is a deadly sin.  When others tell you of your own deeds and praise you, do you agree with them?  That is Vanity.  Vanity is a deadly sin.  Seeing ourselves as we are and not comparing ourselves to others is Humility.  Humility is a mighty virtue that breeds Renown. "