The Measure of a Man

Why has the cowboy been the symbol of America, around the world, for almost 150 years? Bill believes it’s because the working cowboy chooses to live by a set of principles, known as The Code of the West. They are not a set of rules he is forced to obey, but a way of life he has seen and experienced through the integrity and character of generations of his family, and others who lived their lives by these principles. It is based on living with courage, doing an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay, keeping a promise, being tough but fair, duty to his outfit and the boss, good manners around women and children, saying what you mean, and being a man of you word. The handshake is the obvious symbol of these principles. When this cowboy gives his word, makes a sale, or promises to do the job, he seals the deal with a handshake. More valuable than a signed contract, absolutely unbreakable, said to be as good as gold, and pledges that his word is his bond, it truly is, The Measure of a Man.