The Jedi (/ˈdʒɛdaɪ/) are the main protagonists in the
Star Wars universe, alongside the Rebel Alliance. The Jedi Order is depicted as an ancient monastic, academic, meritocratic, and quasi-militaristic organization whose origin dates back approximately 25,000 years before the events of A New Hope.
Jedi were powerful
Force-wielders and adjudicators tasked by the Galactic Republic to be the guardians of peace and order in the galaxy; they defend and protect all sapient life, never attack. The Order consisted of polymaths:
teachers, philosophers, scientists, engineers, physicians, diplomats, negotiators, warriors, and peacekeepers. A level of diversity extends throughout the organization, composed of hundreds of different species and thousands of different worlds, some
outside the Republic itself. When operating beyond the limits of Republic territory, they
act autonomously and make decisions with the potential to affect countless lives. They were often the first representatives of the Republic encountered by
new species and nations.
Jedi
philosophy emphasized self-improvement through knowledge and wisdom and selfless service through acts of charity, citizenship, and volunteerism. The Jedi denounce emotions as the root cause of mortal suffering; they believe
fear, anger and love cause sentient beings to lash out in conflict and impede rational action to do what is objectively correct action. A Jedi’s traditional
weapon is the lightsaber.
