ανδρεια  is required to counter faint-heartedness, laziness, and over-attachment to pleasure. It involves an attitude of ‘taking the fight to the enemy’, where the enemy is ones own foolishness, vice and ignorance. Misused ανδρεια manifests itself as anger, aggression and military vain-glory. Properly used it involves self-directed, constructive anger.

ανδρεια also manifests itself as a willingness for, even a love of, toil and effort. It is one of the four cardinal virtues, along with prudence (phronesis), temperance (sophrosyne), and justice (dikaiosyne). Aristotle noted that, as with other virtues, ανδρεια is an optimal level (a “mean”) between the extremes of too little courage (cowardliness) and too much courage (rashness).

This description comes from John Uebersax. He is a Ph.D. who studying Greek Philosophy in Psychology.

The Andreia Philosophy is encapsulated by this creed: Fulfillment Through Accomplishment–FTA.

A good life is a fulfilled life. The mission of the Andreia Philosophy is finding meaning and fulfillment through designating a path or multiple thereof, and walking them until extinction.

Mastery is an illusion. The Andreian follows his path because his path has become him. His path is his identity and his purpose. He may master all known knowledge of his path, but understands true mastery is impossible. His god is his path. He creates his destiny. The Andreian does not fear death because he lives true to his purpose. His life is complete at all stages because he lives true to his way.

The Andreia Philosophy Pillars

Musashi was a Samurai-turned-Ronin wanderer who traveled the land to master the sword. He sought schools & masters to train under and worthy opponents to defeat. He killed 61 men in one-on-one combat. He killed his first man when he was fifteen years old. He killed one opponent in a duel with a wooden oar.

Musashi dedicated his life to the sword. He lived fulfilled. We know this from his work in The Book of Five Rings; a code every Andreian must read. What many don’t know is Musashi dedicated his life to pursuits beyond the sword, like calligraphy. He believed, “The way is the same in all things.”

The Andreian Philosophy contains three pillars: Mind, Body, and Spirit. Three purposes. Three paths that develop together.

The Andreian Handbook

The Andreian Handbook is a guide to help fulfill FTA. 

It isn’t finished yet, but you can sign up for the mailing list for updates. The code will be free and for everyone. It will come in different formats and will be designed to be a lightweight reference.