Part 3/7:
One of the most striking aspects of medieval life was the expectation of mutual responsibility between lords and surfs. Bishop Fulbert of Chartres once wrote about the obligations of lords towards their vassals, emphasizing the idea of reciprocal duty. This was not merely theoretical; it reflected a societal understanding that both parties had vested interests in maintaining a stable community.
Additionally, documents like the Magna Carta illustrated that even weaker members of society had certain rights and protections against exploitation. For example, surfs were shielded from excessive fines that could jeopardize their livelihoods, something often absent in today's capitalist landscape.