The Troubadours were armed with one of the most important of all psychological formulas:If one would change the world, teach the young.They appointed them-selves the tutors of chivalry, and were regarded as peculiarly equipped to endow youth with an appropriate cultural
viewpoint. On the surface, their advice was simple, honest, and effective, and obviously above reproach. They taught, for example, that a genteel man always mended an open seam in his garment; this is more important than to patch
a hole. A hole may indicate long wear, but an open seam represents carelessness. Incidentally, these reformers were careful to prevent any open "seams" in their own associa-tion. Another precious bit of advice was, in effect: It is
not important that the rich dress well, but most important that the poor dress neatly;small means plus neatness equal character.