Mnhei'sahe The Ruling Passion
Mnhei'sahe - ahr'krehii idh koimae'ey? Ai, hrenu, ahr'khir. -- Nnerhin i-Leinarrh tr'Liemha, "Iemhiedh".
Is mnhei'sahe something that is very distant? Oh, look, it is right here. -- Nnerhin i-Leinarrh tr'Liemha, "Discourse".
Mnhei'sahe is a concept that is unique to the Rihannsu. Many times attempts have been made to translate the word, usually coming out as something like 'honour', or a literal translation of the elements making up the word, that is 'Ruling Passion'. However, both of these are sadly lacking, and carry little if any of the depth of meaning that the word brings up in the mind of a Rihanha. Mnhei'sahe is vastly more than a code of conduct, infinitely more than simple 'honour'; it is both of those, and still more: mnhei'sahe is, indeed, what makes a Rihanha, a Rihanha.
Mnhei'sahe covers a wide range of human concepts: honour, loyalty, the Confucian concept of filial piety, among others. Yet, to humans it may seem at times self-contradictory, as sometimes mnhei'sahe requires duplicity or other such behaviour that humans might consider 'dishonourable'. Further, there are examples often given that only serve to confuse humans even more - those oft-cited cliches: "Mnhei'sahe may require you to give the last of your water to your greatest enemy, or that you kill your dearest friend." Though both of these may ne true, these statements generally serve to confuse the issue when attempting to explain this concept that is so integral to the Romulan worldview. It is hoped that this article will serve to provide a basic understanding of mnhei'sahe.
Thei'nnaenahrat draaomel na leih, mrht p'tned-pra'krsh thei'mnyiekher draes mneihma'eyevha ihfvehkh'nra uae s'mnhei'sahe'hel. -- Nnerhin tr'Liemha, "Iemhiedh".
You may carry off from an army its commander, but you can never force the humblest man of virtue from his mnhei'sahe. -- Nnerhin tr'Liemha, "Discourse".
The Rihanha who has committed herself to the path of mnhei'sahe is like the oiswuh that has clenched talons onto prey - you might cut the raptor's head off, but the claws will not let go. The Rihanha devoted to mnhei'sahe will not stray from the path that her 'guiding passion' dictates. She will resist any attempt at being bribed or otherwise led to transgressing that path, even at the expense of her own life or the lives of those close to her. This is one of the reasons it is often said that "mnhei'sahe hurts"; often, mnhei'sahe requires that one do something one would prefer not to do; it transcends love, it transcends the chain of command, it transcends otherwise immutable societal barriers, it transcends the Empire; yet it is not an excuse for disobedience, treason or anything else that would be considered a violation. Though one may have mnhei'sahe as the reason for such disobedience, one bound to mnhei'sahe understands that it is not a shield to hide behind, to excuse the violation of law. Though mnhei'sahe be the reason, the virtuous Rihanha will not try to hide from punishment claiming mnhei'sahe as a defence.
At the same time, the virtuous Rihanha will not stray from his mnhei'sahe, even if he knows that he must commit treason or other high crime in order to remain true to it, nor will he shrink from it under threat of punishment. He will follow what his mnhei'sahe dictates to be right even if society or law says it is wrong, and will willingly face his punishment if he loses in the end - for he is bound to do so by his mnhei'sahe. Though mnhei'sahe does vary from person to person, there do exist a few constants, and that is one of them.
Ahr'caehhere faell rhifv plicarate'dhohh kivoi eiheurrhelhai draes. -- Nnerhin tr'Liemha, "Iemhiedh".
It is a rare event that a man should err due to restraint. -- Nnerhin tr'Liemha, "Discourse".
Though mnhei'sahe may demand that certain courses of action be followed, it does not demand this instantly. In fact, instantaneous decisions may be ill-considered, and often lead to errors which can at times lead to events damaging to one's mnhei'sahe. As such, even though mnhei'sahe may dictate that a certain goal be achieved, the virtuous Rihanha who wishes to maintain that virtue will thoroughly think every action though, carefully considering the possible consequences of that action, and the consequences of the consequences. Biding one's time, waiting for the right moment, or being restrained and not jumping into instant action is not a violation against mnhei'sahe. Rather, mnhei'sahe often requires this.
Hnakhe ja astev ireari caehh'aigre aelhe'er -- caehh'kre aelhe'er llilla'hu. -- Nnerhin tr'Liemha, "Iemhiedh".
There is no need to think several times before acting -- to think twice is enough. -- Nnerhin tr'Liemha, "Discourse".
Although restraint is to be encouraged along with careful consideration of a question, to take this too far can be as disastrous as not taking it far enough. Mulling over a problem leads to second-guessing oneself, which is counterproductive, and will often lead to an erroneous decision that might damage mnhei'sahe.
Aihkh aulthahrar hrrau Iuruth'ri Nnerhin tr'Liemha, laemnan caire'er dii Eriufv t'Jeiai hje iridhinen diam udt. Hrhaen Nnerhin: "Aelhen nim yy'a khia." Mosaednaen Eriufv: "Fvoir ahr'thiichev nnearh, lhhai, veisa kushana yy'a'er ih'hwi reh?" -- Nnerhin tr'Liemha, "Iemhiedh".
After Nnerhin tr'Liemha was imprisoned in Iuruth, Eriufv t'Jeiai, one of his students, hurried to join him. Nnerhin said: "I thought you were dead." Eriufv replied: "While you are alive, sir, how dare I die first?" -- Nnerhin tr'Liemha, "Discourse".
A vital concept of mnhei'sahe is lyrrveoth. This is, like mnhei'sahe itself, a concept difficult to translate; however, in this case there is a comparison: the word 'xiao'
The Rihan concept of lyrrveoth is quite similar, and it is in fact a pillar of mnhei'sahe. Everything mentioned above as part of xiao is applicable to lyrrveoth as well. However, it is not as simple as it may at first seem. Though lyrrveoth is integral to mnhei'sahe, it is not an excuse for actions taken to satisfy one's mnhei'sahe, nor is it grounds for violating mnhei'sahe. Similarly, mnhei'sahe cannot be used as an excuse for violating lyrrveoth. If lyrrveoth requires a violation of mnhei'sahe, or if mnhei'sahe requires a violation of lyrrveoth, the required action is taken, and the consequences of that action faced as mnhei'sahe demands.
Lyrrveoth extends not only to one's parents and blood ancestors, but also to one's teachers and mentors.
Ahr'lhonaema ihirer hotaessraei hwiunaier iarr'voi ortaihkhevha na sienov. -- Nnerhin tr'Liemha, "Iemhiedh".
It is cowardice to be reluctant to take up the sword for a just cause. -- Nnerhin tr'Liemha, "Discourse".
Often, mnhei'sahe demands that blood must be spilt; to shy from bloodshed required to satisfy mnhei'sahe is a violation of mnhei'sahe: mnhei'sahe can be translated another way besides the usual: a sense of justice. Though mnhei'sahe means different things to every Rihanha, this is (along with lyrrveoth, usually), one of the few things that all will agree on: if mnhei'sahe requires the sword, the sword must be drawn, and a failure to do so is a grave transgression against mnhei'sahe. There is no way that cowardice can ever be justified.