The Dude Testament

11. Be there, man.

In literature and films, landlords are usually depicted as greedy and cruel. But the Dude is such a loveable guy that his landlord, Marty, comes to him for support and kindness, even though the Dude is behind on the rent. It seems Marty is an amateur (very amateur) dancer and wants the Dude to come see his “cycle” and give him “notes.” Whereas many of us would say yes and then make an excuse for not showing up, we know that the Dude is on the level when he says he’ll “be there, man.” The Dude may not harbor much of cash value, but clearly he esteems friendships above all else. It is one of the qualities, along with his “well tied together” room, that bestow on him a sort of tattered royalty in a world that would otherwise deny him any stature at all. Yet unlike actual royalty or wealth, friendship and floor coverings are credentials we all can acquire. And at the end of the day, what meaning does social standing have, except in the eyes of our compeers? Be there for the world, man, and the world will be there for you. You know, the Royal We.