On Being a Gentleman
Thursday, 21. February 2008, 04:05:49
Given that the only 'court' we are likely to see is traffic court, I agree with the fundamental idea that I should be a gentleman. "I disagree with this idea: A gentleman deems every other better than himself." In this day and age, the spectrum of society is far different than that of the 1800's or earlier. I think a gentleman recognizes that many people in society can not relate to the idea of courtesy, honor, or even respect and that it is not reasonable for him to condone their behavior nor their values. He certainly does not see them as being above himself. This does not mean that he treats them with disrespect. Only that he understands that they will not treat him with respect, no matter what he does.
In another regard, a gentleman is often regarded as the ideal Christian, "turning the other cheek" as it were. This brings to mind two rules of life: The golden and silver rules, which are often at odds with each other: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, and Do unto others as they would have you do unto them. The second is mirrored by the 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do' advice. A gentleman can can do both.
When with people of the same culture, he treats people as he himself would prefer. When in another culture, he acts - as much as fits his own ideals - as that other culture expects. When you act as you expect in another culture you find that they don't like your behavior, and label you with such as 'the ugly American.'
A gentleman is never arrogant.
This post started with wickedlizard at On Being a Gentleman.
In another regard, a gentleman is often regarded as the ideal Christian, "turning the other cheek" as it were. This brings to mind two rules of life: The golden and silver rules, which are often at odds with each other: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, and Do unto others as they would have you do unto them. The second is mirrored by the 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do' advice. A gentleman can can do both.
When with people of the same culture, he treats people as he himself would prefer. When in another culture, he acts - as much as fits his own ideals - as that other culture expects. When you act as you expect in another culture you find that they don't like your behavior, and label you with such as 'the ugly American.'
A gentleman is never arrogant.
This post started with wickedlizard at On Being a Gentleman.
