Preamble
We, the founders of the Savant Society, in order to create a more intense intellectual atmosphere, and to preserve the essence of a liberal and classical education, do ordain and establish this Constitution of The Savant Society.
Article One
1.1 All persons admitted to the Savant Society must fulfill the rigid qualifications of a true intellectual.
1.2 Members are to be knowledgeable in the sciences; social, life, and physical. The Society embraces all organized thought known to mankind - and encourages aggressive insight in all lines of pure reasoning.
1.3 Members are to be knowledgeable in literature. The forms of literature that are supported are any of those falling into, but not limited to, the poetic, narrative imaginative, dramatic, theatrical, lyrical, nonfiction prose, children's, primitive, folk, and popular literature categories.
1.4 Members are to be knowledgeable in music. The forms of music that are supported are those that fall under, but not limited to, the Renaissance Era, Baroque Era, Classical Era, Romantic Era, Russian, European Nationalism, and Popular.
1.5 Members are to be knowledgeable in art, as in, but not limited to, drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, architecture, dance, and theater.
1.6 Members are to be knowledgeable in philosophy. The types of philosophies supported fall under, but are not limited to, the categories of ancient Greek and Roman, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Empiricism and Rationalism, Enlightenment, 19th and 20th century, Non-Western, and Religious. Members have the freedom to choose whichever philosophy to profess in, for this is "philosophical" ground.
1.7 Members are expected to have open minds and have views that are not dogmatic or illiberal. They must be objective, nondiscriminatory, and candid. They must look at all points of view and choose the one that suits the minds of a True Savant.
1.8 It is preferred if a candidate Savant is a musician, artisan, artist, or a master of any skill that supports the knowledge categories mentioned prior.
Article Two
2.1 Members venture through a system of promotions (once the prerequisites are satisfied). There are four promotion levels. The first level is: Savanthood; the member must prove him/herself intellectually. One does this by giving proof of interest in at least three subjects listed in Article One, 1.2-1.6, and demonstrating knowledge of these subjects.
2.1.1 Once considerable knowledge is demonstrated in at least four of the subjects, and reviewed by Seasoned Savants, the second level is achieved, titled Seedling Savant.
2.1.2 The third level, Sapling Savant, is achieved when knowledge is demonstrated in all categories of knowledge, but mastery of all categories is not achieved. The major purpose of the Sapling Savant position is to show time in grade over the Seedling Savant; as a given, Saplings should obviously be more knowledgeable than Seedlings.
2.1.3 When all categories are mastered to satisfaction, which may take several years, the member is promoted to a True Savant, synonymous with Seasoned Savant. (individual preference)
2.1.4 A secondary title may be given, True Dilettante, by the discretion of the founders and the type of knowledge achieved/mastered.
2.2 Knowledge Type I: Savant; scholarly in nature, continuing to learn on all bases.
2.3 Knowledge Type II: Dilettante; dabbles in many fields, demonstrates a vast general knowledge, but by no means as absolute expert; infinite horizons; amateur in nature.
2.4 Under certain situations, both titles may be awarded.
Article Three
3.1 Regular meetings will occur in The Savant Society Forum.
3.2 Members are to study on their own; it is not the Seasoned Savants' responsibility to insure Savanthood level members are fulfilling their obligations. The same applies to the Seedling and Sapling Savants. However, once reaching the True Savant/Dilettante level, members have finished their obligations and responsibilities, but they are to continue exploring and learning the many fields of knowledge; to be examples for the next generations.
3.3 It is the eternal wish of the Society that members will always remain on the cutting edge of organized thought and insight, seeking the truth in all things scholarly, thus the establishment of our motto: Knowledge for the Sake of Knowledge.
Article Four
4.1 The conduct of a member is profoundly important. members must conduct themselves like ladies and gentlemen; a Chevalier, similar to that of a member of an order of knighthood or merit. An alternate conduct might be the Eighteenth Century Country Gentlemen; as Esquire (Archaic definition; An English country gentlemen). Members may elect to have the term esquire follow their name, abbreviated, esq. There is no connection to the attorney at law use of the abbreviation.
The terms 'Chevalier' or 'Gentlemen' may appear sexist; however, females do not have popular gender titles as men do: thus lady or gentlewomen will be the conduct terms used by the Society. If a 'sexless' environment is preferred, then gentleperson will be used. In extreme cases, gentle will do.
4.2 Etiquette will be practiced as prescribed by social convention or by authority. Proper mannerisms will be in order.
4.3 Tea will be the official beverage of the society, either iced or hot, brisk or herbal. Coffee will be the secondary official beverage, followed by wine.
4.4 When engaged in intense debates, The Golden Rule will always be observed.
4.5 "It is no proof of a man's understanding to be able to confirm whatever he pleases; but to be able to discern that what is true is true, and that what is false is false; this is the mark and character of intelligence." - Emanuel Swedenborg, 1688-1772, Swedish Scientist.
4.6 "If it is peace of mind and comfort you want then believe, however, if you are devoted to truth then inquire." Friedrich W. Nietzsche, 1844-1900, German Philosopher.
Copyright ©1998 - 2010 Lord Orman
