Dying Breeds

Gentlemen

“A gentleman is defined by their character.” — Dustin Nuttall

In the medieval days, men offered their left arm when escorting a woman, as their right hand was their sword hand. As society grew in technology in the 1940’s, gentlemen still offered their left arm, but walked on the outside (near the street) to ensure the protection of the woman from traffic and from mud splashing upon their dresses. I ensure you though, this isn’t the only thing that separates a man from a gentleman.

In today’s society as women fight for equality and independence, when a man attempts to open a door for a woman, it becomes a sign that the woman is “weak” and “dependant”. Women in today’s society seem to be offended by the traditional, genuine acts of a gentleman.

A man using traditions from the past, tends to also be a sign that a man is “weak” in today’s society. No matter how genuine the acts are, it tends to be more of a negative affect.

Traditional acts of chivalry can come off as condescending.

The term “gent” or “gentleman” is used widely today, but the meaning has changed greatly. Today’s culture is about physical appearances. When you dress a certain way, you are now considered a “gentleman”. However, that isn’t what a gentleman is.

A gentleman is chivalrous, courteous, polite, and an honorable man. It is relevant as an indication of one’s refinement and character.

“Honor” is a highly relative concept.

Also there were times that wealth and power defined a man also as a gentleman. Thankfully, in today’s society, that isn’t the modern definition. Money and position can not buy you respect or class.

Money and position can not buy you respect or class.

Remember, a gentleman is imperfect. A gentleman is still a human and we all make mistakes, choices, and judgement every day. They take ownership and responsibility for the things they can control.

High standards push people to do the best they can, and gentlemen set them for themselves. High standards produces high quality, value, and functionality out of the world in which they live.

A gentleman is not defined by the way they dress, however, today’s society views a gentleman by they way they dress. The way they dress can express their wealth and power. Doesn’t express their character.

“The way someone dresses doesn’t express their character, only expresses their wealth and power.” — Dustin Nuttall

However, a gentleman is well mannered, open minded, responsible, reliable, loyal, and respectful. Their actions matches their words. A gentleman recognizes the difference between arrogance and confidence. Also, a gentleman can also be defined by a man’s acts of romance, but nothing like we see of romance in today’s society. Romance isn’t defined by sexual nature, but acts of chivalrous love.

It’s the character in which a man is defined as a gentleman and that is the difference that separates a man and a gentleman.