Is it possible in our day?

"chivalry was the development of all that was lovely, graceful, and worthy in human nature. A spirit that was so intimately connected with the three great principles- religion, love, and poetry- could not but appear admirable in the eyes of the people who became its eager votaries; a spirit endowed with such qualities, pervading the actions of the noble and the good, could not do otherwise than give a moral tone to the manners of the people at large. Such a high standard of morality set up, even if it was not always reached in practice, necessarily had the effect of purifying men's minds and feelings, restraining vile passions, polishing their manners, and tending to render barbarism and cruelty a thing of the past."

As I think of the sad state of masculinity in our present society I wonder if it would be possible to stem the tide of immorality, apathy, general cowardliness and stupidity that has become characteristic of men in America. What would be the impact on society in general if we regained a sense of manhood that inspired service, acts of courage, and morality. I have even wondered whether it would be possible to establish some sort of initiatory rite similar to knighthood so that boys would have a tangible experience by which they are recognized as becoming men. Our current milestones only contribute to the general degradation of society rather than its betterment- first kiss, first lay, first time getting drunk, etc- and are ambiguous at best.