The Strong Must Protect the Sweet: An Age-Old Concept That Still Rings True

The old saying “the strong must protect the sweet” evokes images of mighty knights guarding fair maidens or brave heroes defending the innocent. While gender norms have evolved over time, the underlying sentiment remains relevant. Those with power and capability have a moral obligation to use their strengths to uplift the vulnerable.

As I mulled over this familiar phrase, I realized it captures something profound yet intuitive about human decency. We all innately know we should use our talents and gifts, be they physical, intellectual, or social, to serve the greater good. This article explores the origins of this maxim and why it continues to resonate.

The Origins of “The Strong Must Protect the Sweet”

This axiom likely arose to reinforce gender roles in medieval society. Men held most authority and power so they were tasked with safeguarding women who were viewed as delicate and in need of protection. Knights protecting “ladies fair” was a common trope. Feminism has critiqued this paternalistic dynamic, but the basic responsibility holds true. Those capable of defending others should do so, regardless of gender.

The saying may have also referred to the physically strong shielding the physically weak, able-bodied people assisting disabled people, or the young protecting the elderly. The core lesson is universal: use your strength, whatever it may be, to uplift those in need. Don’t exploit vulnerabilities. Stand up to bullies. Lend a hand. Share what you have.

Why This Saying Endures

The sentiment “the strong must protect the sweet” continues to resonate for several reasons

It Appeals to Our Hero Instinct

Most of us find fulfillment in serving a greater purpose and helping others. This phrase taps into our innate hero instinct and desire to make a positive difference in the world. It provides a code to live by.

It Prioritizes Compassion

The saying promotes compassion – caring about the suffering of others and taking action to reduce it. Compassion breeds community. When the strong protect the vulnerable, we all benefit.

It Affirms Shared Humanity

This maxim affirms our shared human experience. None of us choose the circumstances we are born into. We all face challenges and need help at times. Creating a society where the more fortunate uplift the downtrodden recognizes our common humanity.

It Discourages Exploitation

The phrase insists the strong have an obligation not to exploit the weak. Just because someone has power does not make it ethical to use it unjustly. Might does not make right when it comes to how we treat one another.

It Calls the Powerful to Account

This timeless saying calls on those in positions of authority and advantage to wield their influence responsibly. Not just might makes right, but might for right. The strong have a duty to speak out against oppression and create a more just and equitable society.

Examples Throughout History

Many shining examples exist of the mighty taking action to protect the vulnerable, heeding the call that strength must shield sweetness:

• Powerful leaders like Abraham Lincoln ending slavery, which exploited vulnerable human beings.

• Labor unions leveraging collective power to guard worker rights.

• Whistleblowers exposing institutional misconduct to safeguard individuals’ well-being.

• Nonviolent civil rights activists facing police brutality to advance equality.

• Billionaires like Bill Gates promoting global health and development.

• Men supporting women’s rights movements to expand opportunities.

• Teachers nurturing students’ growth.

• Healthy people donating blood to help others in need.

• First responders rushing into burning buildings to save lives.

These inspiring cases reveal that when the capable help the vulnerable, society progresses. While power sometimes corrupts, true leadership means serving others first.

Why We Must Continue Upholding This Creed

The principle of “the strong must protect the sweet” must continue guiding our choices and values. Consider:

• Inequality persists: Billions still live in poverty, facing profound threats.

• Oppression endures: Major injustices like racism and sexism remain deeply embedded globally.

• New dangers arise: Problems like climate change and misinformation threaten us all.

• Complacency tempts us: As we gain privilege, we may lose touch with the struggles impacting our communities.

• Individualism seduces us: Looking out for ourselves alone feels easier than working to uplift each other.

Yet if we each use our unique talents and resources to serve others, especially the disadvantaged, we can build a society of compassion and justice. Are you willing to risk comfort to help those crying out for relief? That is what the strong must do to protect the sweet.

Takeaways: How to Apply This Concept Today

Here are ways we all can live out the ideal of the strong guarding the vulnerable in today’s world:

• Leverage privilege: If you have advantages like wealth, education, or position, use them to benefit those deprived of opportunities.

• Speak against hatred: When you hear bigotry and prejudice, speak up to defend the humanity of all people.

• Protect the planet: Make choices that conserve resources and care for the earth so future generations inherit a habitable world.

• Volunteer and donate: Give your time and money to organizations addressing injustice and meeting basic needs.

• Show compassion daily: Hold the door, give up your seat, let someone go ahead of you in line – small acts of kindness help too.

• Vote for justice: Support leaders and policies uplifting the marginalized, not the privileged.

• Check biases: Reflect on prejudices you may unconsciously harbor and work to change them.

We all have gifts needed to create positive change. What matters is having the wisdom and will to use our capacities in service of others, especially the most vulnerable. That is how the strong continue the eternal duty of protecting the sweet.