Tal.

I was asked what it is, in my view, which constitutes being a Gorean Master, and what does that 'mastery' itself, entail. I'm sure that many folks have their own ideas on the matter, indeed, the results of those many ideas would explain all the differences that one can see in others who call themselves 'Gorean', and 'Master'.

The matter is fairly simple to me. First, a man must be Gorean. There is one, and only one, definition of 'Gorean' which is sane, intelligent, and serious; that is, someone who strives to live thier lives by the principles and tenets of the Gorean philosophy. Any other definition is either insane, stupid, or just a game.

Second, to be a Master, one must act to master one's self, and one's life, and to some degree, those around him. He must be able to exert self-discipline on himself, to see his actions through to the end, to be able to effectively guide his life in a prosperous fashion within his society. Gorean men tend to be very dominant, and if they live as they believe, in the average group of non-Gorean males, a Gorean man will almost invariably be one of, if not the, Alpha-male.

If a man does not exhibit these traits, he may still be Gorean, but he's not a Master. A man who cannot master himself, or his life, is really not ready or in a solid position to master others. Who can look at the man and his life, and take his words seriously, as if he knew what he was speaking of?

The Gift of Mastery, which Norman speaks of in the Gor novels, is where the Master extends his understanding and control into the life of his property, to guide her to be that which pleases him more and more. The focus, in Gor, is on this Gift of Master, while in BDSM, the focus is on the gift of submission.

I wish you well.

- LionHeart ©2003
Rarius, Karian, Civitatis Washington D.C., USA