As near as I remember. I read this in a computering magazine about 1987. I find it now attributed to Arthur S. Tanenbaum, Linux OpenSource debater. At age 21 years and a day, Sir Roger inherited his small manor with its modest house that was not a castle. He was brave, but he was also intelligent. Within ten years, as much by diplomacy as force, by persuasion and reason as sheer might of arms, he had expanded his realm, overcoming his peers and serving his king while donating to the church. He was Baron Roger, then Count Roger. The knights of twenty manor fiefs called him liege. To solidify his county, Lord Roger needed an estucheon for all to rally around, not just his own, but one that symbolized everyone and everything they held in common. He called his vassals together, ordering them to bring their banners, shields, flags, and blazons. It was a soul-stirring sight. Looking out over the paint and cloth and metal lifted on spears, lances, and poles, Lord Roger said, “The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from.”
